Which term denotes the average rate at which temperature decreases with altitude, approximately 3.5 F per 1000 feet?

Which term denotes the average rate at which temperature decreases with altitude, approximately 3.5 F per 1000 feet?

• A. Stability
• B. Lapse rate
• C. Tow plane
• D. Altimeter

Answer: (B)

Lapse rate is the rate at which air temperature decreases with increasing altitude. About 3.5°F per 1,000 feet is the common environmental lapse rate used in aviation as part of the standard atmosphere. This helps explain how temperature generally drops with height, which in turn affects air density and aircraft performance. It’s not describing atmospheric stability, which is about how air parcels respond to vertical motion, nor is it about the tow plane or the altimeter, which measure or perform other functions.

Lapse rate is the rate at which air temperature decreases with increasing altitude. About 3.5°F per 1,000 feet is the common environmental lapse rate used in aviation as part of the standard atmosphere. This helps explain how temperature generally drops with height, which in turn affects air density and aircraft performance. It’s not describing atmospheric stability, which is about how air parcels respond to vertical motion, nor is it about the tow plane or the altimeter, which measure or perform other functions.