The discussion centers on why humans are not crushed by the Earth's atmosphere, which exerts a pressure of approximately 14.7 psi at sea level. Participants explain that the random thermal motion of air molecules, combined with Newton's third law, results in balanced forces acting in all directions, preventing any net downward force. The concept of buoyancy is also introduced, explaining why lighter gases like hydrogen can rise in air, while the overall pressure from the atmosphere is countered by equal pressure exerted by our bodies. The discussion concludes that the net force from atmospheric pressure is effectively zero due to these opposing forces.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators explaining atmospheric pressure, and anyone interested in the principles of fluid dynamics and gas behavior.
As stated several times in this (several year old) thread, air pressure is about 14.7 pounds per square inch.er.manya said:maybe the area covered by the atmosphere distributes the force exerted by it to such an extent that it makes it minimal on us? correct me please if I am wrong...