Difference between revisions of "Atmosphere"
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The term atmosphere is also a unit of [[pressure]]. An atmosphere is defined as the amount of pressure exerted by a column of [[air]] at [[sea level]] in standard conditions. One atmosphere (atm) is defined as 101325 Pa. This is equal to approximately 14.7 [[pound]]s per square [[inch]] on the earth. | The term atmosphere is also a unit of [[pressure]]. An atmosphere is defined as the amount of pressure exerted by a column of [[air]] at [[sea level]] in standard conditions. One atmosphere (atm) is defined as 101325 Pa. This is equal to approximately 14.7 [[pound]]s per square [[inch]] on the earth. | ||
| − | The earth's atmosphere insulates the earth's surface, making it around 15 degrees [[Celsius]] ( | + | The earth's atmosphere insulates the earth's surface, making it around 15 degrees [[Celsius]] (27 degrees [[Fahrenheit]]) warmer than it would be without any air. This occurs through absorption of outgoing [[infrared rays]] by gas molecules like [[carbon dioxide]] and [[methane]]. This warming is known as the ''[[greenhouse effect]]''. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 12:49, November 8, 2007
The atmosphere is the mass of air surrounding a planet.[1]
The term atmosphere is also a unit of pressure. An atmosphere is defined as the amount of pressure exerted by a column of air at sea level in standard conditions. One atmosphere (atm) is defined as 101325 Pa. This is equal to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch on the earth.
The earth's atmosphere insulates the earth's surface, making it around 15 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than it would be without any air. This occurs through absorption of outgoing infrared rays by gas molecules like carbon dioxide and methane. This warming is known as the greenhouse effect.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000