Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post - Help! Why does it get colder the higher the altitude?

Azred · 09-25-2002, 11:14 PM

From physical chemistry, we get the classic formula PV=nRT, which means that pressure * volume = constant * temperature (nR is treated as a constant here). If we let volume = the volume of the entire atmosphere, it will also remain constant, so we can reduce the equation to a very simple P = k * T, which means that there is a direct relation between pressure and temperature. [img]graemlins/saywhat.gif[/img]

In short, as the pressure drops due to the altitude, so will the temperature. There are not as many molecules in the air bouncing off objects, so not as much kinetic energy is being transferred. That is what "temperature" really is--a measure of the kinetic energy of the molecules of some object.

Isn't science great? [img]graemlins/awesomework.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img]

09-25-2002, 11:14 PM	#2
Azred Drow Priestess Join Date: March 13, 2001 Location: a hidden sanctorum high above the metroplex Age: 55 Posts: 4,037	From physical chemistry, we get the classic formula PV=nRT, which means that pressure * volume = constant * temperature (nR is treated as a constant here). If we let volume = the volume of the entire atmosphere, it will also remain constant, so we can reduce the equation to a very simple P = k * T, which means that there is a direct relation between pressure and temperature. [img]graemlins/saywhat.gif[/img] In short, as the pressure drops due to the altitude, so will the temperature. There are not as many molecules in the air bouncing off objects, so not as much kinetic energy is being transferred. That is what "temperature" really is--a measure of the kinetic energy of the molecules of some object. Isn't science great? [img]graemlins/awesomework.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/petard.gif[/img] __________________ Everything may be explained by a conspiracy theory. All conspiracy theories are true. No matter how thinly you slice it, it's still bologna.