What is the Difference Between Air Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure?

While often used interchangeably in everyday language, air pressure generally refers to the localized pressure exerted by the air around us, whereas atmospheric pressure specifically describes the total pressure exerted by the Earth's entire atmosphere on the surface.

Understanding Air Pressure

Based on the provided reference, air pressure is defined as "the pressure exerted by the air around us." This refers to the force exerted by air molecules within a specific, localized area. Think of it as the pressure in a particular volume of air you might encounter, such as inside a room or a contained space.

• Measurement: According to the reference, air pressure is measured by a tore gauge. This type of gauge is used to quantify the force exerted by the surrounding air.

Understanding Atmospheric Pressure

In contrast, atmospheric pressure is defined as "the pressure exerted by the atmosphere on the earth." This encompasses the total weight of the column of air stretching from the Earth's surface all the way up to the edge of space, pressing down on a given area. It represents the cumulative force of the entire blanket of air that envelops our planet.

• Measurement: The reference states that atmospheric pressure is measured using a mercury barometer. This instrument traditionally measures atmospheric pressure by the height of a column of mercury that the atmosphere's weight can support.

Key Differences Summarized

To further clarify the distinction between these two terms, here's a direct comparison based on the provided information:

In essence, while both terms relate to the force of air, 'atmospheric pressure' refers to the overarching, large-scale force of the Earth's atmosphere, whereas 'air pressure' can denote a more specific or localized measurement of that force.