Luchtdrukken

Luchtdrukken, commonly translated as air pressure, refers to the force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on the Earth's surface. This pressure is not uniform across the globe and varies due to several factors. The primary reason for atmospheric pressure is gravity, which pulls the air molecules towards the Earth. As altitude increases, the density of the air decreases, resulting in lower air pressure. Temperature also plays a significant role; warmer air is less dense and rises, creating areas of lower pressure, while cooler air is denser and sinks, leading to higher pressure. These pressure differences are the driving force behind wind, as air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is defined as 1013.25 hectopascals (hPa) or 29.92 inches of mercury. Barometers are instruments used to measure air pressure. Understanding luchtdrukken is fundamental to meteorology, aviation, and various scientific fields.