Ambient pressure and atmospheric pressure are essentially the same thing: the pressure exerted by the weight of air above a given point. The reference provided states that ambient pressure is the atmospheric pressure of a given location.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Atmospheric Pressure: This is a general term referring to the pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere. It varies depending on altitude and weather conditions.
- Ambient Pressure: This term refers to the atmospheric pressure specific to a particular location at a particular time.
Therefore, the "difference" is more a matter of specificity. Atmospheric pressure is a broader concept, while ambient pressure refers to the actual atmospheric pressure in a specific environment.
| Feature | Atmospheric Pressure | Ambient Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere. | Atmospheric pressure in a specific location. |
| Specificity | General. | Specific. |
| Variation | Varies with altitude and weather. | Varies with altitude and weather at a location. |
| Example | Describing pressure changes with global weather. | Measuring pressure in a room. |
As the reference indicates, atmospheric pressure, and therefore ambient pressure, is affected by altitude. For example, there is less oxygen available for breathing at higher altitudes such as the top of a mountain, due to the decrease in atmospheric (and ambient) pressure.
