is there a correlation between the gravitational acceleration of a planet and the atmospheric pressure of the?

Question

planet?

Answer 1

Yes. It is not strictly linear -- Venus has a far higher pressure than Earth does, even though its gravity is slightly less. But generally it is true. When you study Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics, you will learn why. The chemical composition and temperature of the atmosphere are important factors.

Answer 2

An atmosphere is compressed space that has been acted on by heat and chemicals rising from the surface. This process will affect the atmospheric density and resulting pressure. Space will try to act the same all the way to the surface. A more dense atmosphere will provide a higher rate of acceleration in the same gravitational field. The strength of the gravitational field is more related to the amount of compression taking place in the planet.

Answer 3

The only correlation would be based upon the mass of the planet. The more massive the planet, the denser the atmosphere would be. Therefore the acceleration that a given object would have would be dependant upon the relative mass of the planet, what the atmosphere is composed of, and where an atmosphere is concerned the fluid dynamics (eg. aerodynamics) of the object travelling through the atmosphere.

One caveat, however. According to quantum physics, there is evidence that gravity may be a repulsive force rather an attractive force.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Gravitational acceleration is purely a function of mass and distance, however the rate at things fall in an atmosphere also greatly depends on the composition and conditions within the atmosphere.

Also, since once you begin to enter the atmosphere and some of the mass is above you this will slightly change the acceleration but it's negligable for the atmosphere.

Answer 5

Atmospheric pressure is roughly the weight of the column of atmosphere: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_pressure

Answer 6

Wow, good question! I couldn't find a correlation of any kind.