NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

mcqeasy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the density of the atmosphere?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AIt is maximum at sea level and decreases rapidly as we go up.
BIt is maximum at high altitudes and decreases downwards.
CIt is minimum at sea level and increases as we go up.
DIt is uniform throughout the atmosphere.

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Solution

The correct option is

It is maximum at sea level and decreases rapidly as we go up.

Explanation

The atmosphere is composed of gases held to the Earth by gravitational force. Because air is compressible, the weight of the upper layers of the atmosphere compresses the lower layers, leading to variations in density across different altitudes.

Analysis of Options:

It is uniform throughout the atmosphere. is incorrect: The density of the atmosphere is not uniform; it changes significantly with height.
It is maximum at high altitudes and decreases downwards. is incorrect: Density is not maximum at high altitudes. At higher elevations, there is less overlying air mass and weaker gravitational compression, resulting in lower density.
It is maximum at sea level and decreases rapidly as we go up. is correct: The density of the atmosphere is maximum at sea level. The gravitational pull is strongest near the surface, and the weight of the air column above compresses the air at the bottom. Consequently, air density decreases rapidly as altitude increases.
It is minimum at sea level and increases as we go up. is incorrect: This statement is the inverse of the actual vertical distribution of atmospheric mass. Density is highest at sea level, not minimum.

Key Takeaway: Atmospheric density and pressure are highest at sea level due to gravitational attraction and the compressibility of air, decreasing rapidly with an increase in altitude.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the continents of the world: 1. Asia is the largest continent and covers about one-third of the total land area of the earth. 2. The Equator passes through the center of the Asian continent. 3. Asia is separated from Europe by the Andes Mountains on the west. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Lithosphere, consider the following statements: 1. It comprises the rocks of the earth’s crust and the thin layers of soil. 2. The elevation of land is measured from the ocean floor. 3. The level of seawater remains the same everywhere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following terms describes the narrow zone where land, water, and air are found together and which contains all forms of life?

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Consider the following pairs regarding the shapes of major oceans: Ocean | Shape/Characteristic 1. Pacific Ocean | Almost circular 2. Atlantic Ocean | 'S' shaped 3. Indian Ocean | Almost triangular 4. Arctic Ocean | Highly indented coastline How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

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Which of the following continents is the only one through which the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn pass?

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Keep practising Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

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The correct option is

It is maximum at sea level and decreases rapidly as we go up.

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

It is uniform throughout the atmosphere. is incorrect: The density of the atmosphere is not uniform; it changes significantly with height.
It is maximum at high altitudes and decreases downwards. is incorrect: Density is not maximum at high altitudes. At higher elevations, there is less overlying air mass and weaker gravitational compression, resulting in lower density.
It is maximum at sea level and decreases rapidly as we go up. is correct: The density of the atmosphere is maximum at sea level. The gravitational pull is strongest near the surface, and the weight of the air column above compresses the air at the bottom. Consequently, air density decreases rapidly as altitude increases.
It is minimum at sea level and increases as we go up. is incorrect: This statement is the inverse of the actual vertical distribution of atmospheric mass. Density is highest at sea level, not minimum.

Key Takeaway: Atmospheric density and pressure are highest at sea level due to gravitational attraction and the compressibility of air, decreasing rapidly with an increase in altitude.