- #31
willem2
- 2,134
- 395
cjl said:
I think he used the 4 for the molar mass of helium, which is 4 gram, but you need to use 0,004 kg. So he's off by the squareroot of 1000.
Why does the atmosphere move with the earth?
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter quasar987
- Start date
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- Tags
- Atmosphere Earth
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the reasons why the atmosphere moves with the Earth, exploring concepts related to atmospheric motion, viscous interactions, and the origins of the atmosphere. Participants delve into both theoretical and conceptual aspects, including the physical laws governing fluid dynamics and the nature of gases.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that the atmosphere moves with the Earth due to viscous interactions between the ground and the lower layers of the atmosphere, while upper layers may not experience the same effects.
- Others argue that the atmosphere's rotation is linked to its formation during the Earth's creation and that viscous drag plays a role in maintaining its motion.
- A participant compares the atmosphere's behavior to water in a spinning glass, suggesting that similar principles apply due to viscous forces.
- There is a discussion about why gases do not simply fall to Earth, with some participants explaining that the thermal kinetic energy of gas molecules allows them to overcome gravitational potential.
- Some contributions highlight the role of external forces, such as those from the moon and sun, in influencing weather patterns and atmospheric motion.
- Participants discuss the molecular interactions within the atmosphere and how temperature affects the movement of air molecules, leading to momentum exchange that influences atmospheric behavior.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the mechanisms behind the atmosphere's movement with the Earth, and the discussion remains unresolved on several points, particularly regarding the extent and nature of viscous interactions and the role of external forces.
Contextual Notes
Some claims rely on assumptions about fluid dynamics and the behavior of gases, and there are unresolved questions about the specific physical laws governing these phenomena. The discussion also touches on the complexity of atmospheric interactions and the influence of external forces.