Question

High Altitude The atmospheric pressure in Denver, Colorado, is usually about 84.0 \(\mathrm{kP}\) a. What is this pres- sure in atm and torr units?

Short answer

The atmospheric pressure in Denver, Colorado (84.0 kPa) is approximately equal to 0.829 atm and 630 torr.

Step-by-step solution

Convert kPa to atm

First, we need to convert the given pressure in kPa (84.0 kPa) to atm units. We can use the conversion constant mentioned earlier: 1 atm = 101.325 kPa Let's set up our conversion: atm = (84.0 kPa) * (1 atm / 101.325 kPa) The kPa units will cancel out, and we're left with: atm = 84.0 / 101.325 Now, let's calculate the value of atm: atm ≈ 0.829 atm

Convert kPa to torr

Now, let's convert the given pressure in kPa (84.0 kPa) to torr units. First, we need to convert kPa to pascals by multiplying by 1000: 1 kPa = 1000 Pa 84.0 kPa = 84,000 Pa We know that 1 torr ≈ 133.322 Pa, so we can set up our conversion: torr = (84,000 Pa) * (1 torr / 133.322 Pa) The Pa units will cancel out, and we're left with: torr = 84,000 / 133.322 Now, let's calculate the value of torr: torr ≈ 630 torr #Conclusion# The atmospheric pressure in Denver, Colorado (84.0 kPa) is approximately equal to 0.829 atm and 630 torr.

Key concepts

atmospheric pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air in the Earth's atmosphere. At sea level, this pressure is commonly around 101.325 kPa (kilopascals). Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude because there's less air pushing down from above.
For instance, Denver, Colorado, is known as the "Mile-High City" because it's located about 5,280 feet above sea level. This elevation means the atmospheric pressure in Denver is generally lower, around 84.0 kPa. Understanding this concept is crucial for various calculations in meteorology and physics.
Some factors affecting atmospheric pressure include:

• Altitude: Higher altitude equates to lower pressure.
• Temperature: Warm air is less dense and exerts less pressure.
• Weather patterns: High and low-pressure systems move through the atmosphere.

Recognizing the impact of these factors can help us better understand and predict weather changes.

kPa to atm conversion

Converting kilopascals (kPa) to atmospheres (atm) is essential in various calculations, especially when working with gases. The conversion factor to keep in mind is that 1 atm is equivalent to 101.325 kPa. This conversion factor helps simplify equations by providing a common unit of measurement.
To convert a pressure value from kPa to atm:

• Take the value in kPa and divide it by 101.325.

The result is the equivalent pressure in atm.
An example calculation was provided in our exercise: converting 84.0 kPa to atm.First, use the formula:\[\text{atm} = \frac{84.0 \text{kPa}}{101.325 \text{kPa/atm}} \approx 0.829 \text{atm}\]This conversion is often used in scientific research, industry, and everyday life to express pressure in a unit that's easily understandable.

kPa to torr conversion

Converting from kilopascals (kPa) to torr is another critical conversion, especially in scientific disciplines.The relationship between these units comes from their definitions:

• 1 kPa = 1,000 Pa (pascals)
• 1 torr ≈ 133.322 Pa

The steps to convert kPa to torr are as follows:

• First, convert kPa to pascals by multiplying by 1,000.
• Next, divide the resulting pascals by the value of 1 torr (133.322 Pa).

By following these steps, you can find the equivalent pressure in torr.
In our exercise, we converted 84.0 kPa to torr using the formula:\[\text{torr} = \frac{84,000 \text{Pa}}{133.322 \text{Pa/torr}} \approx 630 \text{torr}\]Using torr is particularly common in fields like chemistry and physics, where precise pressure measurements are crucial.