Question

The atmospheric pressure decreases by 11% for every 1km of height above the Earth's surface from a pressure of 1005 hPa at sea level.
a. Write an exponential equation that models the atmospheric pressure at height h.

I am really stuck and need urgent help!!

Answer 1

@ganeshie8 @dan815 @Sandis

Answer 2

The equation will be of the form:
\[\large P(h)=P _{0}e ^{-\lambda h}\ ...........(1)\]
where lambda is the decay constant.
The value of the decay constant can be found by plugging the values of P(h) and P0 into equation (1) for a height of 1 km. The resulting equation can be solved easily by taking natural logs of both sides.

Answer 3

Ummm that is alot more complicated than how we are supposed to do it

Answer 4

If i give you another one, would you be able to help me find an equation for it because i am not sure how to approach it and just need some help?

Answer 5

The method that I have described will give the correct result. However there is another less accurate equation as follows:
\[\large P(h)=P _{0} \times (0.89)^{h}\]

Answer 6

Are you expected to use the exponential number e in your equation?

Answer 7

i'm not quite sure what you mean? and that equation is correct.

Answer 8

Therefore I assume that the equation that is expected is:
\[\large P(h)=1005\times (0.89)^{h}\]

Answer 9

oh yes we are. there are other questions we need to answer using the equation

Answer 10

yes, the expected equation is P=1005x0.89^h

Answer 11

Now I follow :)

Answer 12

ok that's good :). I have another question where we have to find the equation of and i am not sure how to approach questions like this. Do you think you could help me??

Answer 13

Please post it as a new question.