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Atmospheric pressure — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 114 practice questions · 6 syllabus objectives

36 easy39 medium39 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Define atmospheric pressure and state its standard value in Pa, cmHg and atm

Describe how a simple mercury barometer works and explain how it measures atmospheric pressure

State how atmospheric pressure changes with altitude and explain the effect on boiling point

Explain applications of atmospheric pressure: siphon, straw, syringe, bicycle pump

Solve problems involving barometer readings, trapped air columns, and pressure conversions

Atmospheric pressure

Sample Questions

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1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

List three factors that affect atmospheric pressure at a specific location. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
Altitude (pressure decreases with increasing height) (1 mk)
Temperature (warm air is less dense, resulting in lower pressure) (1 mk)
Humidity (more water vapour reduces air density and pressure) (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

List three applications of atmospheric pressure in everyday life, specifically mentioning their functions in a straw, syringe, and bicycle pump. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 3 marks
Straw: Atmospheric pressure pushes liquid up the straw when the top is sucked. (1 mk)
Syringe: Atmospheric pressure forces fluid into the syringe when the plunger is pulled back. (1 mk)
Bicycle pump: Atmospheric pressure pushes air into the tyre when the pump handle is pressed down. (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

State how atmospheric pressure changes with increasing altitude and explain its effect on the boiling point of water. (3 marks)

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Part (a) — 1 mark
Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. (1 mk)
Part (b) — 2 marks
The boiling point of water decreases as atmospheric pressure decreases. (1 mk)
At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature, which can affect cooking times. (1 mk)
4

State the standard atmospheric pressure in cmHg and atm, and define atmospheric pressure. (4 marks)

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Why Practise Atmospheric pressure?

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