Question

The atmospheric pressure on an object decreases as altitude increases. If a is the height (in km) above sea level,

then the pressure P(a) (in mmHg) is approximated by P(a) = 760e-0.13a. Determine the atmospheric pressure at

8.47 km. Round to the nearest whole unit.

Answer 1

253 mmHg

Explanation:

Since the atmospheric pressure,
`P(a) = 760e^(-0.13a)`

when a = height (in km) = 8.47 km, then the atmospheric pressure P(a) is

`P(a) = 760e^(-0.13a)\\P(8.47) = 760e^(-0.13X8.47)\\P(8.47) = 760e^(-1.1011) \\P(8.47 )= 760 X 0.33251 \\P(8.47)= 252.7 mmHg\\`

P(8.47) ≅ 253 mmHg