Using the value of atmospheric pressure at sea level, 1 × 10⁵ Pa, estimate the total mass of the earth's atmosphere above a 5-m² area. A)5 × 10⁴ kg B)9 × 10² kg C)2 × 10^-⁴ kg D)4 × 10^-² kg E)3 × 10⁵ kg

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atmospheric pressure is the force per unit area. To find the total mass of the atmosphere above a 5-m² area, use the formula: Pressure = Force/Area. Rearranging gives Force = Pressure × Area. The force is the weight of the atmosphere, which is mass × gravity. So, mass = Force/gravity = (Pressure × Area)/gravity = (1 × 10⁵ Pa × 5 m²)/9.8 m/s² ≈ 5 × 10⁴ kg.

Using the Value of Atmospheric Pressure at Sea Level, 1