University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 18 - Thermal Properties of Matter - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 609: Q18.11

Answer

The proportion of oxygen to nitrogen is lower, in a higher-altitude situation.

Work Step by Step

Example 18.4 calculates the variation of atmospheric pressure with elevation. The pressure p is given as the following: $$p=p_o e^{\frac{-Mgy}{RT}}$$ Here, M represents the molar mass of the gas. Oxygen’s molar mass is greater than that of nitrogen’s, so the pressure dropoff will be steeper for oxygen, with increasing height y.
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