Question: Its possible to use the ideal-gas law to show that the density of the earths atmosphere decreases exponentially with height. That is, =

It’s possible to use the ideal-gas law to show that the density of the earth’s atmosphere decreases exponentially with height. That is, ρ = ρ0 exp(-z/z0), where z is the height above sea level, ρ0 is the density at sea level (you can use the Table 14.1 value), and zis called the scale height of the atmosphere.

Table 14.1

Substance…………..ρ(kg/m3)

Helium gas…………...…...…..0.18

Air …………………………………1.29

Gasoline ………………….…….680

Ethyl alcohol ………....……..790

Benzene ……………………….880

Oil (typical) ………………...….900

Water …………………….…..1000

Seawater ……………….…...1030

Glycerin ………………….....1260

Mercury ………………......13,600

a. Determine the value of z0.
b. What is the density of the air in Denver, at an elevation of 1600 m? What percent of sea-level density is this?

Step by Step Solution

3.29 Rating (164 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

Visualize The figure shows a small column of air of thickness dz of ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (2 attachments)

PDF file Icon

1442_6054778b839c4_693042.pdf

180 KBs PDF File

Word file Icon

1442_6054778b839c4_693042.docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Physics Scientists and Engineers Questions!