How Does a Plane Keep the Air Comfortable at 35,000 Feet?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a plane keep the air comfortable at 35,000 feet?

The Big Idea

Outside a jet at 35,000 feet, the air is thin and freezing. Inside, passengers breathe easily. How does the plane do that?

Thin, Cold Air

Step one: thin, cold air. Outside a jet, the air is thin, cold, and does not hold enough oxygen to breathe. People could not stay comfortable there.

Engine Air

Step two: engine air. The engines supply compressed air that is cooled and sent into the cabin. The pressure is kept similar to being on a mountain a mile or two high.

A Valve Lets Air Out

Step three: a valve lets air out. A valve lets used air escape at just the right rate. Fresh air is mixed in all the time.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Air comes from the engines. It is cooled. It flows into the cabin. A valve lets some out.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The cabin air is replaced many times every hour. The pressure is like being on a mountain a mile or two high. A valve lets used air escape. Fresh air is mixed in all the time.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw the cabin as a strong tube. Show air flowing in from the engines. Draw a valve letting air out. Add arrows to show the flow. Then explain what you learned to a friend.

Outro

A jet cabin is filled with cooled air from the engines and a valve lets used air out, so people stay comfortable. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Next time you see this in real life, remember what you learned today and smile! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!