How Much Air Is There at the Top of Mount Everest?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How much air is there at the top of Mount Everest?

The Big Idea

The air at the top of Mount Everest has the same kind of mix as air at the beach! It is still about 21 percent oxygen. The difference is that the air is so thin.

Same Mix

Step one: the same mix. The air at the top of Everest has the same 21 percent oxygen as the air at sea level. The recipe of the air does not change with height.

Thin Air

Step two: very thin air. But the air is so thin that each breath has only about one-third as many oxygen molecules. It is like breathing, but getting a lot less in every gulp.

Extra Oxygen

Step three: extra oxygen. That is why climbers there often bring extra oxygen in tanks. Even with training, the thin air is a huge challenge for the body.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! At sea level, each breath is full of air. On Everest, the air spreads out much more. The mix is still 21 percent oxygen. But each breath has only about a third of the molecules.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Everest is so high that airplanes often fly just above it. It is about 29,000 feet, or 8,849 meters tall. Climbers prepare for months and go with trained guides. This is not a place for beginners or kids.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Jog in place for 30 seconds, with a grown-up nearby. Notice how fast you breathe. Climbers in thin air breathe faster to get enough oxygen. Then rest, and let your breathing slow down.

Outro

Everest air has the same oxygen mix, but far fewer molecules in each breath. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!