The density of air in the mesosphere can be accurately calculated using the ideal gas law, expressed as ρ=(pM)/(RT), where ρ is the air density, p is the pressure, M is the molar mass of air, R is the universal gas constant, and T is the temperature. Reliable data for pressure and temperature can be found in the US Standard Atmosphere tables. Online calculators may provide estimates based on height, but their accuracy is questionable without proper data inputs.
PREREQUISITESAtmospheric scientists, meteorologists, and students studying atmospheric physics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the properties of air in the mesosphere.
You use the ideal gas law ρ=(pM)/(RT). So you need to know the pressure and the temperature. Values of these are tabulated in the US Standard Atmosphere.thedan16 said:How is air density calculated?
I can't seem to find any tables for the mesosphere.
There are some calculators online that base it on height, but I'm not sure if they'll be accurate.