Why do atmospheric molecules not fall to the surface of planets under the influence of gravity?
September 18, 2020 | Education
| The equilibrium of planetary atmospheres occurs due to the fact that the forces of gravity, tending to press molecules to the surface, are balanced by the forces of gas pressure. The higher the temperature of the atmosphere, the greater the length of the atmosphere in height, and vice versa, the lower the temperature, the greater the concentration of molecules to the surface of the planet.
