Question 39 of 279 in Solids, Liquids and Gases

Pressure in liquids and gases

1 mark · Easy

State what causes atmospheric pressure.

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The weight of air molecules above us pressing down.

Also accept: the weight of the air/air molecules/air column; air molecules colliding with surfaces

Common mistakes: Omitting mention of air/air molecules

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · Gives correct cause (air or molecules/weight/pressure from above).

Worked solution

Atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of the air (air molecules) above us pressing down.

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