Difference between revisions of "Atmosphere"
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Revision as of 18:42, November 14, 2008
The atmosphere is the mass of air surrounding a planet.[1]
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.
Other Uses
The term atmosphere is also a unit of pressure. One atmosphere (atm) is defined as 101,325 Pa, which is equal to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch. This number was determined by finding the average pressure exerted on the earth by a column of air at sea level.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000