How does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?

Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude due to the thinning of the air as you ascend. At sea level, there are many air molecules exerting pressure, but as you go higher, there are fewer molecules above you, resulting in a lower pressure. This is why mountaineers or aviation personnel often experience a drop in atmospheric pressure as they climb higher elevations, which can affect breathing and other physiological functions.

In the atmosphere, the pressure halves approximately every 5.6 kilometers (about 18,000 feet) of altitude gain, illustrating the significant change in pressure with height. Understanding this relationship is essential for pilots when calculating aircraft performance and for meteorologists when predicting weather patterns. The correct understanding of atmospheric pressure changes is also crucial for safety and operational procedures in aviation.