Why is it colder on top of a mountain?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why the temperature decreases as altitude increases, specifically in relation to mountains. This involves understanding concepts such as atmospheric pressure, air density, and environmental lapse rate.
Answer
As elevation rises, air molecules spread apart due to decreased atmospheric pressure, leading to a temperature decrease.
The final answer is that it's colder on top of a mountain because as elevation rises, air molecules spread apart due to decreased atmospheric pressure, leading to a temperature decrease.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is that it's colder on top of a mountain because as elevation rises, air molecules spread apart due to decreased atmospheric pressure, leading to a temperature decrease.
More Information
At higher elevations, the decreased atmospheric pressure means that air is less capable of absorbing and retaining heat, making it colder.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that being closer to the sun should result in higher temperatures, but atmospheric pressure and density play a bigger role.
Sources
- Why is it colder on top of a mountain? - science.howstuffworks.com
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