Answer:
The total mass of the atmosphere is 4.508 x 10⁹ kg
Explanation:
Given;
thickness of gas layer, h = 6.8 km
density of Earth's atmosphere, ρ = 1.3 kg/m³
the surface area of Earth is given as 5.10 x 10⁸ km²
Volume of the atmosphere is calculated as;
V = Ah
where;
A is the surface area of Earth
h is the thickness of gas layer
V = (5.10 x 10⁸ km²)(6.8 km)
V = 3.468 x 10⁹ km³
The total mass of the atmosphere is calculated as;
mass = density x volume
m = ρV
m = (1.3 kg/m³)(3.468 x 10⁹ km³)
m = 4.508 x 10⁹ kg
Therefore, the total mass of the atmosphere is 4.508 x 10⁹ kg.
