Atmospheric density calculation (of mars)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the atmospheric density of Mars, with specific values provided for gravitational constant, mass, and radius. The original poster expresses confusion about how to approach the problem, particularly regarding the need for temperature values in the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement, noting a discrepancy between the title and the content. They suggest a simplistic approach to calculate average density but highlight the lack of information about Mars' atmosphere. Others emphasize that atmospheric density varies with height, similar to Earth.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on clarifying the problem and recognizing the missing information about Mars' atmosphere. There is no explicit consensus on how to proceed, as the original poster considers seeking further clarification from their teacher.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem lacks specific details about Mars' atmosphere, which is critical for calculating atmospheric density. There is also uncertainty about the educational context of the original poster, which may affect their access to assistance.

blackdog666
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Homework Statement



gravitational constant G=6.67x10^-11 Nm^2/Kg^2, M=6.42x10^23 Kg, and R=3.40x10^6 m for mars. Calculate the atmospheric density of Mars.

Homework Equations



Density of water = 1000 Kg/m^3
Atmospheric pressure = 30 Pa (from what I've calculated)

p=M/V

The Attempt at a Solution



I just don't know where to start. I'm completely lost. I've looked at formulas online, however they all deal with temperature, and I'm 100% positive I don't need any temperature values for my calculation.
 
Last edited:
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Hi blackdog666, welcome to PF

I'm confused about what your problem is asking. Your thread title says it has to do with the "atmospheric density" of Mars, but the actual problem statement that you have posted in thread just says, "calculate the density of Mars."

A simplistic approach to the problem would be to just compute the average density, or in other words the density you would get if you have a totally uniform solid sphere. This is just given by the total mass over the total volume. You know the mass and would just have to calculate the volume.

I think you need to clarify what your problem is asking before anyone can advise you further on the best way to proceed.
 
cepheid said:
Hi blackdog666, welcome to PF

I'm confused about what your problem is asking. Your thread title says it has to do with the "atmospheric density" of Mars, but the actual problem statement that you have posted in thread just says, "calculate the density of Mars."

A simplistic approach to the problem would be to just compute the average density, or in other words the density you would get if you have a totally uniform solid sphere. This is just given by the total mass over the total volume. You know the mass and would just have to calculate the volume.

I think you need to clarify what your problem is asking before anyone can advise you further on the best way to proceed.

Oh, sorry I meant to say calculate the atmospheric density.
 
blackdog666 said:
Oh, sorry I meant to say calculate the atmospheric density.

Hmm...well that's weird because your problem doesn't give you any information about Mars' atmosphere. Not only that, but the density of the atmosphere will not be constant but will change with height (due to gravity), just like on Earth.
 
cepheid said:
Hmm...well that's weird because your problem doesn't give you any information about Mars' atmosphere. Not only that, but the density of the atmosphere will not be constant but will change with height (due to gravity), just like on Earth.

Yeah. I'm really confused. I'll ask my teacher the next time I see her, and see if maybe she left out some information.
 
next ?
You 'd better send her a letter to ask for an appointment
or read her website for office hours then DO it right today NOT next!
I believe this is a very good way to learn and be beeter btter
By the way your username sours the truthful relationship with me for the most part of my petlife I love all pets my latest black dog is truthful and clearly open than my hens
 
lizick said:
next ?
You 'd better send her a letter to ask for an appointment
or read her website for office hours then DO it right today NOT next!
I believe this is a very good way to learn and be beeter btter

Well, that would certainly be true if the OP were chasing down a university prof, since they are notoriously busy. However, for all we know, the OP could be in high school, in which case he is guaranteed to see his teacher in class on a regular basis, and his class size is small enough that he can probably get one-on-one help with a problem if he tells the teacher before or after class. I think its pretty funny to just assume that OP is being apathetic when you don't have any information.
 

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