What instrument measures altitude, or height above a reference point such as sea level, often based on changes in atmospheric air pressure?

Explanation

An altimeter is an instrument used to measure altitude, meaning height above a specific reference point such as sea level, and many traditional altimeters work by detecting changes in atmospheric air pressure, which reliably decreases as altitude increases. This type of altimeter is commonly found in aircraft cockpits, as well as in mountaineering and hiking equipment, to help estimate elevation during travel or ascent. More modern altimeters may instead rely on satellite-based positioning systems like GPS to calculate altitude with high precision. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.