How Does the P(0) Term Arise in the Barometric Formula Derivation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the barometric formula, specifically the origin of the P(0) term. The user references the integration process where the differential equation dP/P = -Mg/kT dz is solved. The integration leads to the expression P = e^{-Mgz/kT}, but the user identifies a gap regarding the limits of integration that define P(0). Understanding these limits is crucial for correctly applying the barometric formula in atmospheric physics.

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  • Familiarity with the concepts of pressure and temperature in thermodynamics.
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in calculus.
  • Basic understanding of the barometric formula and its applications in atmospheric science.
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I haven't had extensive experience in solving DE's just yet; I'm curious as to where the P(0) term comes from between the 4th and 5th expressions in the following derivation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barometric_formula#Derivation

My attempt follows:

[itex]\frac{dP}{P} = - \frac{M g\,dz}{kT}[/itex]

[itex]\int\frac{1}{P}dP = - \int\frac{M g}{kT}dz[/itex]

[itex]P = e^{-\int\frac{M g}{kT}dz}[/itex]

[itex]P = e^{-Mgz/kT}[/itex]

Clearly I'm missing something obvious, but I don't know what exactly.
 
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Limits of the integration.
 

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