Density and Air Pressure Lesson

Density and Air Pressure

Week 5

Density 

• Air density is the amount of AIR in a given area

• Density DECREASES as altitude (height) INCREASES

Density

• COLD air is more dense than warm air

• Cold air SINKS 

• Warm air RISES 

Multiple Choice

Which box represents MORE density?

Multiple Choice

Where on the mountain is air density the GREATEST? Click on the image to view it full screen.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Air Pressure

• Air pressure is the FORCE air molecules exert on each other and their surroundings 

• Air pressure DECREASES as altitude (height) INCREASES

• This is because there is more DISTANCE between the air molecules 

• Air moves from areas of HIGH to LOW pressure 

Multiple Choice

Where on the mountain is air pressure the LEAST? Click on the image to view it full screen.

• A

• B

• C

• D

Air Pressure & Temperature 

• Hot Temperature= LOW air pressure

• Cold Temperature=HIGH air pressure 

High Pressure Systems

• High pressure generally means FAIR weather

• Air mass in upper atmosphere is SINKING 

• Few or no CLOUDS

Low Pressure System

• Low pressure generally means CLOUDLY, RAINY weather

• Air masses move APART

• Warm air RISES 

• Clouds form

Fill in the Blank

It is a rainy day. This is most likely what type of pressure system?

Multiple Choice

High pressure systems are associated with what type of weather?

• Rainy

• Cloudy

• Fair

Multiple Choice

Air moves from areas of _______ to _______ pressure.

• high, low

• low, high

• high, high

• low, low