Mars, the fourth planet in our solar system, has a thin atmosphere comprised (by

Question

Mars, the fourth planet in our solar system, has a thin atmosphere comprised (by partial pressure or number of molecules), of the following ideal gases: Carbon dioxide 96% CO_2 Nitrogen 2% N_2 Argon 2% Ar The surface temperature of the planet is 220 deg K. Estimate the surface pressure of the Martian atmosphere by extrapolating Figure 2b of the Withers and Smith (2006) paper. (a) What is the mass of an Avogadro's number of molecules of the Martian atmosphere? How many of these molecules are argon molecules? (b) What is the density of the atmosphere at the planetary surface? (c) How do the surface conditions and composition of the Martian atmosphere compare to their terrestrial counterparts?

Explanation / Answer

The atmosphere of the Mars consists of mainly consists of gas like carbon dioxide. On the surface of Mars the atmospheric pressure is approximately 600 pascal. The surface pressure on Mars is about 0.6% of the earth's pressure at mean sea level which is 101.3 Kpa.

b. Martian atmosphere is very thin and consists of mainly of carbon dioxide. The atmosphere of Mars is less dense than the atmosphere of the earth. The highest density on Mars is observed to be around 35 km above the surface of the earth. The mean density of Mars is about 3933 kg/m3.

c.The Martian atmosphere consists is very thin as compared to the planet earth. It consists mainly about 96% carbon dioxide, 1.9% argon, 1.9 nitrogen and trace amount of free oxygen, methane, water, carbon monoxide. Whereas the composition of earth atmosphere is mainly oxygen 21%, nitrogen 78% and minor amount of argon and carbon dioxide. Also the atmospheric pressure of Mars is about 0.6% of the earth. The atmospheric pressure of Mars is 600pascal whereas that of earth is 101.3Kpa. The mean density of Mars is 3933 kg/m3 whereas mean density of earth is 5514 kg/m3.

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