Debunking the Myth: Does 1 Cubic Meter of Air Really Weigh 1kg?

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In summary, there is a misconception that 1 metre cube of air weighs 1kg, but this is not accurate. The weight of air depends on its surroundings and can vary in different environments. Additionally, the terms mass and weight have different definitions. The upthrust of air is equal to its weight, which is approximately 650g and the density of air at normal conditions is 1.29 kg per cubic meter. Nitrogen, which makes up a large portion of air, is diatomic, causing a discrepancy in the weight calculations. While physicists may calculate these values, engineers and mathematicians may refer to sources like Wikipedia for information on air density.
  • #1
quantum123
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Does 1 metre cube of air really weigh 1kg?
This is so hard to believe. So heavy?
 
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  • #2
if it was air in a 1 metre cube balloon, it would appear to be of no/low weight on Earth because it's surrounded by air. if you bring that same balloon to the moon, you will feel the weight.

consider that mass and weight are not used the same way and have different definitions
 
  • #3
well, if you bring it to an earth-sized planet with no atmostphere*
 
  • #4
I get you. Thanks!
The upthrust is equal to the weight of the air itself.
 
  • #5
Right. It's also not quite a kilogram. Looks to be about 650 g.
 
  • #7
My bad. Nitrogen is diatomic. (Smacking forehead)
 
  • #8
So physicist calculate while engineers and mathematicians look it up on the wiki...?
 

1. Is it true that 1 cubic meter of air weighs 1kg?

No, this is a common misconception. The weight of air is affected by various factors such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, which can vary significantly. Therefore, the weight of 1 cubic meter of air can range from approximately 1.2kg to 1.3kg.

2. Why is it commonly believed that 1 cubic meter of air weighs 1kg?

This belief is likely due to the fact that the standard weight of air used in calculations is 1kg per cubic meter at sea level and 15 degrees Celsius. This is known as the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) and is used for simplicity in scientific calculations.

3. How does temperature affect the weight of air?

As temperature increases, the molecules in the air gain more energy and become more spread out, resulting in a decrease in air density. This means that warm air weighs less than cool air, and therefore, the weight of 1 cubic meter of air will vary depending on the temperature.

4. Does the weight of air change with altitude?

Yes, the weight of air decreases with altitude due to the decrease in air pressure. This means that 1 cubic meter of air at higher altitudes will weigh less than 1kg, while 1 cubic meter of air at sea level will weigh closer to 1kg.

5. How can I accurately measure the weight of air?

The weight of air can be measured using specialized equipment such as a barometer, which measures air pressure, or a hygrometer, which measures humidity. These measurements can then be used to calculate the weight of a specific volume of air. However, it is important to note that the weight of air can vary and is not a constant value.

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