Molecules in the atmosphere are attracted by the gravitational force of the Earth. Explain why all of them do not fall onto the Earth,just like an apple falling from a tree.
(N/A) Although air molecules are attracted by the Earth's gravitational force,they do not fall to the surface like an apple due to two main reasons:
$1$. Thermal Motion: Air molecules possess high kinetic energy due to their thermal velocity. This random motion allows them to overcome the gravitational pull and remain suspended in the atmosphere.
$2$. Collisions: Constant collisions between air molecules and with other particles prevent them from settling down. The pressure exerted by these collisions balances the downward gravitational force,maintaining the atmospheric structure.
$1$. Thermal Motion: Air molecules possess high kinetic energy due to their thermal velocity. This random motion allows them to overcome the gravitational pull and remain suspended in the atmosphere.
$2$. Collisions: Constant collisions between air molecules and with other particles prevent them from settling down. The pressure exerted by these collisions balances the downward gravitational force,maintaining the atmospheric structure.
Explore More
Similar Questions
Match Column $- I$ and Column $- II$ and choose the correct match from the given choices.
Column $- I$ Column $- II$ $(A)$ Root mean square speed of gas molecules $(P)$ $\frac{1}{3} n m \bar{v}^{2}$ $(B)$ Pressure exerted by ideal gas $(Q)$ $\sqrt{\frac{3 RT}{M}}$ $(C)$ Average kinetic energy of a molecule $(R)$ $\frac{5}{2} RT$ $(D)$ Total internal energy of $1$ mole of a diatomic gas $(S)$ $\frac{3}{2} k_{B} T$
| Column $- I$ | Column $- II$ |
| $(A)$ Root mean square speed of gas molecules | $(P)$ $\frac{1}{3} n m \bar{v}^{2}$ |
| $(B)$ Pressure exerted by ideal gas | $(Q)$ $\sqrt{\frac{3 RT}{M}}$ |
| $(C)$ Average kinetic energy of a molecule | $(R)$ $\frac{5}{2} RT$ |
| $(D)$ Total internal energy of $1$ mole of a diatomic gas | $(S)$ $\frac{3}{2} k_{B} T$ |
MediumNEET 2021
View SolutionTwo rigid boxes containing different ideal gases are placed on a table. Box $A$ contains one mole of nitrogen at temperature $T_0$,while Box $B$ contains one mole of helium at temperature $(7/3)T_0$. The boxes are then put into thermal contact with each other,and heat flows between them until the gases reach a common final temperature (ignore the heat capacity of the boxes). The final temperature of the gases,$T_f$,in terms of $T_0$ is:
MediumAIEEE 2006
View SolutionAccording to the kinetic theory of gases,when two molecules of a gas collide with each other,then:
$A$ closed cylindrical vessel contains $N$ moles of an ideal diatomic gas at a temperature $T$. On supplying heat,the temperature remains the same,but $n$ moles dissociate into atoms. The heat supplied is .........
Medium
View Solution$A$ horizontal uniform glass tube of $100 \, cm$ length, sealed at both ends, contains a $10 \, cm$ mercury column in the middle. The temperature and pressure of the air on either side of the mercury column are $81^{\circ} C$ and $76 \, cm$ of mercury, respectively. If the air column at one end is kept at $0^{\circ} C$ and the other end at $273^{\circ} C$, the pressure of the air which is at $0^{\circ} C$ is (in $cm$ of $Hg$):
Difficult
View SolutionVedclass Products
For Students
Vedclass Test Series
Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.
Start Free TrialFor Teachers
Exam Paper Generator
Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.
Try FreeFor Institutes
Online Exam Module
Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.
See Demo