Which term defines the rate at which temperature decreases with altitude, expressed in degrees per thousand feet?

Which term defines the rate at which temperature decreases with altitude, expressed in degrees per thousand feet?

• A. Wave
• B. Lapse rate
• C. Tow plane
• D. Burner

Answer: (B)

Understanding how temperature changes with height is essential for aviation. The rate at which temperature decreases as you climb is called the lapse rate. In aviation, this describes how many degrees the air cools per thousand feet of altitude. The standard environmental lapse rate is about 3.5°F per 1,000 feet (roughly 6.5°C per 1,000 meters). This concept helps pilots anticipate changes in air density, lift, and instrument readings as you ascend. The other terms refer to things unrelated to how temperature changes with altitude: a wave is an atmospheric disturbance, a tow plane is used to tow gliders, and a burner is a propulsion component. Therefore, the term that defines the temperature change with altitude per thousand feet is lapse rate.

Understanding how temperature changes with height is essential for aviation. The rate at which temperature decreases as you climb is called the lapse rate. In aviation, this describes how many degrees the air cools per thousand feet of altitude. The standard environmental lapse rate is about 3.5°F per 1,000 feet (roughly 6.5°C per 1,000 meters). This concept helps pilots anticipate changes in air density, lift, and instrument readings as you ascend. The other terms refer to things unrelated to how temperature changes with altitude: a wave is an atmospheric disturbance, a tow plane is used to tow gliders, and a burner is a propulsion component. Therefore, the term that defines the temperature change with altitude per thousand feet is lapse rate.