Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Exam

How much does the temperature drop for every 1,000 feet in elevation?

1. 1 degree Celsius

2. 2 degrees Celsius

3. 3 degrees Celsius

4. 4 degrees Celsius

The correct answer is: 2 degrees Celsius

The correct answer is based on the standard lapse rate in the atmosphere, which describes how temperature decreases as altitude increases. Generally, the temperature drops approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 meters (which is about 3,281 feet) in elevation. When converted for general understanding, this translates to roughly 2 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet. This phenomenon occurs because the atmosphere thins as altitude increases, leading to less air pressure and, consequently, lower temperatures. Pilots and meteorologists rely on this understanding for flight planning, weather forecasting, and understanding the behavior of air masses at different elevations. Therefore, the choice indicating a temperature drop of approximately 2 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet is consistent with the basic principles of atmospheric science.