volume_mute
Why Air Pressure Changes Differently than Water Pressure
publish date: 2026/05/19 19:14:47.228423 UTC
volume_mute
Unlike pressure in a liquid, atmospheric pressure does not double when you double your depth in the gas. What is the primary reason for this difference?
Correct Answer
The density of the atmosphere is not constant; it decreases with height
Explanation
Liquids are essentially incompressible, so their density is constant. Gases, however, are compressible. The density of the atmosphere decreases as you go higher, so the relationship between altitude and pressure is not a simple linear one like it is for depth in a liquid.
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide