[amp_mcq option1=”linearly” option2=”first slowly and then steeply” option3=”first steeply and then gradually” option4=”unpredictable” correct=”option2″]
The correct answer is: B. first slowly and then steeply.
The atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. This is because the air molecules are further apart at higher altitudes, so there is less pressure exerted on the surface. The rate of decrease is not constant, however. At lower altitudes, the pressure decreases more slowly. This is because the air is denser at lower altitudes, so there are more air molecules to exert pressure. As you go higher, the air becomes less dense, so the pressure decreases more rapidly.
Option A is incorrect because the pressure does not decrease linearly. Option C is incorrect because the pressure does not decrease first steeply and then gradually. Option D is incorrect because the pressure is not unpredictable.