i've been wondering for a while...
thanks for your help
2006-11-15 10:51:00 · 12 answers · asked by bob 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
very true that's why they put oxygen sensors on car for smog also higher altitudes to richen or lean fuel mixture for car engines
2006-11-15 11:12:44 · answer #1 · answered by great white fisherman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, look I'll give you two answers as to why that is. you can use the one that is simple, or you can have the one that is scientific. And yes, It's true.
Simple Explination
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As you go up, the air IS thinning. Simple, no?
Scientific Explination
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All planets have gravity. What's gravity you ask? It's the atraction between two large bodies. So now your question must be, "But if it's an atraction, then how come a skinny guy isn't pulled twards a really fat guy?" Simple. The Planets gravity is so great compared to ours, it just simply neutralizes it. Now, why does the atmosphere get thinner as you get higher? Well, Like I said. All planets have gravity. And any large body in the space. So, gravity pulls all the oxygen and CO2 and all those gasses using gravity. But, as you get farther away from gravity, it has a less of a pull. Like how if you've got two magnets at a certain distance, they won't be atracted to each other. But never think that gravity is just a magnet. Oh, sure it is like it, but never use it to compare to gravity. Magnets are only atracted to the opposite polarity, or iron. And gravity is attracting everything.
Hope that helps clear things up for ya'.
2006-11-15 19:16:04 · answer #2 · answered by mikemikona01 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is true. The higher up the elevation the thinner the air. That is why the compress so much air into airplanes because the thinner the air the harder it is to breathe. And the pilot would not want to land with a bunch of dead people on his/her plane.
2006-11-15 19:16:43 · answer #3 · answered by maui234 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air will have a stable composition (same proportion of constituent gasses) when you go up a mountain, but the pressure (and therefore the density) will drop. This means less oxygen partial pressure, so less capacity for proper breathing.
So, yes, the air gets thinner.
2006-11-15 18:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air molecules are just a fat as they are at sea level but the distance or space between the molecules increases with altitude. Thus, the air in upper altitudes, and this includes Denver, is "thinner" or more sparse than in Houston.
2006-11-15 20:03:32 · answer #5 · answered by biobabe222 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air is thinner because there is less oxygen in in it, meaning you have to breath more to get the same amount of air, It can cause dizziness and dehydration very quickly.
2006-11-15 18:58:40 · answer #6 · answered by orphanannie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. Increasing altitude lessens the air pressure. Thinner? Less dense.
2006-11-15 18:57:23 · answer #7 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is and for people who aren't used to having less oxygen it can be dangerous. It not only makes you tired, it can also dry out your skin and cause nosebleeds. People who are vacationing or moving to anywhere at high altitude need to take time to get used to it before doing anything strenous.
2006-11-15 18:59:41 · answer #8 · answered by houlihanoriley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true. The atmosphere has less and less oxygen as you get higher. You have to breathe more and more to aquire the ammount of oxgen that your body needs. If you can't get enough oxgen, then your body will become unconncious. Hope this helps!
2006-11-15 18:54:10 · answer #9 · answered by hearty_621 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes... The air is less oxygen rich as you get higher into the atmosphere...
2006-11-15 18:58:02 · answer #10 · answered by Zach S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋