The Partial Pressure of Oxygen in Atmospheric Air at Sea

Question

The partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air at sea level is
A) greater than the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air at the top of Mt. Everest.
B) less than the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air at the top of Mt. Everest.
C) equal to the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air at the top of Mt. Everest.
D) equal to the sum of partial pressures from carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
E) equal to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air at the top of Mt. Everest.

Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air decreases with increasing altitude. At sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen is about 21% of the total atmospheric pressure, which is around 100 kPa. At the top of Mt. Everest, which is approximately 8,848 meters above sea level, the partial pressure of oxygen is much lower due to the low atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the answer is A, which states that the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air at sea level is greater than the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric air at the top of Mt. Everest.