How much does the Earths Atmosphere weigh?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the weight of the Earth's atmosphere, including how to calculate it and the distinction between mass and weight. Participants explore various definitions and units related to atmospheric pressure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant estimates the weight of the atmosphere to be approximately 5 x 1018 kg.
  • Another participant questions whether the figure provided refers to mass rather than weight, suggesting a calculation based on atmospheric pressure and the Earth's surface area.
  • A participant corrects the atmospheric pressure value to 14.7 PSI, while another reiterates this correction.
  • One participant mentions atmospheric pressure in Pascals, stating they are unsure about the weight calculation.
  • Another participant suggests that if the mass is correct, the weight would be about 5 x 1019 Newtons.
  • There is a suggestion to simplify the atmospheric pressure to 105 Pa for ease of calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the weight of the atmosphere, and there are competing views regarding the definitions and calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved distinctions between mass and weight, as well as variations in the values of atmospheric pressure used in calculations.

pamichel
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How much does the Earths Atmosphere weigh? Also let us know how to calculate that.
 
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[itex]\sim 5 \cdot 10^{18} \ Kg[/itex].

What's the definition of atmospherical pressure ?

Daniel.
 
Isn't what you're listing the mass, rather than the weight of the atmosphere?

I would be inclined to multiply 19 PSI by the surface area of the earth.
 
NateTG's right, except that atmospheric pressure is 14.7 PSI.
 
You mean 14.7 psi, NateTG. I'd be inclined to do the same.

- Warren
 
atmospheric pressure is 101325 Pascal. i don't know the wieght.
 
if post #2 is right then it wieghs about 5x10^19Newtons
 
yourdadonapogostick said:
atmospheric pressure is 101325 Pascal. i don't know the wieght.
to many numbers, i think [tex]10^5 Pa[/tex] will be good enough.
 

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