Earth's atmosphere has roughly four molecules of nitrogen for every oxygen molecule at sea level;
more precisely, the ratio is 78:21. Assuming a constant temperature at all altitudes (not really very
accurate), what is the ratio at an altitude of 10km? Explain why your result is qualitative reasonable.
Hint; This problem concerns the number density of oxygen molecules as a function of height. The
density is related in a simple way to the probability that a given oxygen molecule will be found at a
particular height. You know how to calculate such probabilities.
Any idea how to solve this?
more precisely, the ratio is 78:21. Assuming a constant temperature at all altitudes (not really very
accurate), what is the ratio at an altitude of 10km? Explain why your result is qualitative reasonable.
Hint; This problem concerns the number density of oxygen molecules as a function of height. The
density is related in a simple way to the probability that a given oxygen molecule will be found at a
particular height. You know how to calculate such probabilities.
Any idea how to solve this?
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