answersLogoWhite

0

In a sense, yes. Gasses, like all matter, have mass and thus have weight in a gravitational field. The gasses are held in place by Earth's gravity. At the temperatures found in Earth's atmosphere, most gas molecules do no attain escape velocity, that is the speed necessary to go flying into space and not fall back to Earth. Light gas particles such as hydrogen and helium may attain escape velocity, but the most abundant gasses of Earth's atmosphere; nitrogen, oxygen, argon, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, are far more massive.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Why do the gases in the earth atmosphere stay close to the surface of the planet?

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere stay close to the surface due to the force of gravity acting on them. Gravity pulls the gases towards the center of the planet, keeping them from escaping into space. The mass of the Earth is sufficient to maintain an atmosphere that surrounds the planet.


Why doesn't co2 escapes the earth?

CO2 is not able to escape Earth's atmosphere because of gravity. Gravity holds the gases in our atmosphere close to the planet's surface, preventing them from escaping into space. Additionally, the presence of other gases in our atmosphere, such as nitrogen and oxygen, also helps trap CO2 and other greenhouse gases.


Why do gases surround the Earth?

Gases surround the Earth due to gravitational forces that hold the atmosphere close to the planet's surface. The gases in Earth's atmosphere are a result of volcanic activity, biological processes, and other natural phenomena, creating a protective layer that helps regulate temperature and protect life.


The atmosphere is held in place by Earth's .?

gravity


Which force holds the atmosphere to the earth?

The force that holds the atmosphere to the Earth is gravity. Gravity is the force of attraction between all objects and it keeps the gases in our atmosphere close to the Earth's surface.


Why do meteors shine?

Meteors shine because of gases that burn in Earth's atmosphere. The friction caused by traveling in the atmosphere ignites the gases.


Explain how earth's mass is related to its ability to have an atmosphere?

The Earth has an atmosphere because it has the gravity necessary to keep the gases from floating off into space. The more mass a planet has, the more gravity it has, and the more gravity it has, the thicker an atmosphere it can sustain.


What holds earth's atmosphere together?

the gravitational force holds its atmosphere together


Why the earth atmosphere remains very close the Earth surface?

The Earth's atmosphere remains close to its surface due to gravity that keeps the gases from escaping into space. The atmosphere is held in place by the Earth's gravitational force, allowing it to envelop the planet and provide the necessary conditions for life to exist.


What atmospheric gases help to hold around earth?

The main atmospheric gases that help hold the Earth's atmosphere in place are nitrogen and oxygen. These gases are constantly present in the atmosphere and provide the necessary pressure to keep the atmosphere close to Earth's surface. Additionally, small amounts of other gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor also contribute to trapping heat and maintaining Earth's temperature.


Why can gases such as helium escape the earth's atmosphere?

because earth has gas particles that can let helium go


How does saturns size and atmosphere compare to earth?

it is bigger, much bigger. The atmosphere is different because of the gases that compose it.