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How do scientists calculate the mass of the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Nova Anderson

1.165 X 10^19 pounds

The average atmospheric pressure is 14.7 lb/sq. inch.

Earth's radius = 3964 miles = #2.5116 X 10^8",# nearly.

The surface area of the Earth

= #4 pi (radius)^2#

#=7.927 X 10^17# sq. inch.

Mass of the atmosphere

#=(7.927 X 10^17# sq. inch) X (14.7 lb/sq. sq. inch)

#=1.165 X 10^19# pounds

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Answer 2

Benjamin Awad

Scientists calculate the mass of the atmosphere by measuring the pressure and temperature at various altitudes and then using these measurements to estimate the density of the air. This information is used to calculate the total mass of the atmosphere by integrating the density over the volume of the atmosphere.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.