Aircraft cabins: What is the air pressure inside a commercial aircraft at high altitude? Consider a pressurized passenger jet cruising; compare cabin pressure to outside air and to sea-level pressure. Choose the correct option.
IIT JEE
Physics
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AEqual to outside ambient at cruise altitude
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BHigher than sea-level pressure
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CLower than sea-level pressure but much higher than outside ambient (pressurized cabin)
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DExactly equal to sea-level pressure
Answer
Correct Answer: Lower than sea-level pressure but much higher than outside ambient (pressurized cabin)
Explanation
FactsCabins are pressurized to a comfortable 'cabin altitude' (often ≤ ~8000 ft), which is below sea-level pressure but vastly above the external pressure at 30–40k ft.
Final AnswerLower than sea-level pressure but much higher than outside ambient (pressurized cabin)