Molecules in the atmosphere moving faster than the escape speed of the planet are lost to space.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is true. Molecules in the atmosphere with enough kinetic energy to achieve the escape speed of the planet will escape into space. This process is known as atmospheric escape. Over time, atmospheric escape can cause a planet to lose significant amounts of its atmosphere, particularly for smaller planets with weaker gravitational fields.

Molecules in the Atmosphere Moving Faster Than the Escape Speed