What happens to atmospheric pressure as elevation increases?

As elevation increases, atmospheric pressure decreases due to the reduction of the weight of air above a given point. The atmosphere is made up of layers of air that exert pressure due to their mass. As you ascend to higher elevations, the density of air decreases, which means there are fewer air molecules above you, resulting in lower atmospheric pressure. This phenomenon can be observed in various environments, such as in mountainous regions where individuals often experience a decrease in pressure compared to sea level.

Understanding this principle is critical for refrigeration operators, as changes in atmospheric pressure can affect the performance of refrigeration systems and other equipment that rely on the principles of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.