Question detail
Which option best applies atmospheric pressure for Atmospheric pressure (physics only) in AQA GCSE Physics Forces?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Pressure and pressure differences in fluids (physics only)
Question
- A. The weight of air particles colliding with surfaces — definition focus for atmospheric pressure
- B. This confuses force and pressure and does not answer Atmospheric pressure (physics only).
- C. This is too vague because it does not use the force or motion quantity named in the objective.
- D. This reverses the physical cause and effect for Pressure and pressure differences in fluids (physics only).
Answer
The correct answer is: The weight of air particles colliding with surfaces — definition focus for atmospheric pressure
Explanation
The correct option is The weight of air particles colliding with surfaces — definition focus for atmospheric pressure. The weight of air particles colliding with surfaces — definition focus for atmospheric pressure is correct because it matches the approved learning objective to (Physics only) Explain why atmospheric pressure decreases as height above Earth's surface increases. This answer belongs to Atmospheric pressure (physics only) within Pressure and pressure differences in fluids (physics only), so it must use precise AQA GCSE Physics forces and motion vocabulary. The other options are wrong because they either confuse force and pressure, omit the required force or motion condition, or move away from the exact subtopic being tested.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Atmospheric Pressure
Students often think that atmospheric pressure decreases because there are fewer air particles at higher altitudes, rather than understanding that it is due to the weight of the air above them.
Emphasize that atmospheric pressure decreases with height because there is less air above to exert pressure, not just because of the number of particles.
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