What Factors Affect Air Density?
Density is the measurement of the mass of a material in a given volume of space. For a solid, density remains constant even as its environment changes. The density of a gold bar is the same at sea level, under the ocean, and at the top of Mount Everest. For a gas such as air, the density is impacted by changes in pressure, temperature, and humidity. Changes in air density can modify how easily an object moves and even can cause health problems.
Density is the measurement of the mass of a material in a given volume of space. For a solid, density remains constant even as its environment changes. The density of a gold bar is the same at sea level, under the ocean, and at the top of Mount Everest. For a gas such as air, the density is impacted by changes in pressure, temperature, and humidity. Changes in air density can modify how easily an object moves and even can cause health problems. Air is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and other trace gases. The molecules of these gases typically move rapidly, bouncing off of each other. When the environment is a constant without changes in temperature, pressure, or humidity, the mass of air in a given volume of space will remain stable. The value of air density, generally given in kilograms per cubic meter, is calculated rather than directly measured.
