2007-03-23 04:00:56 · 9 answers · asked by woodyschef 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The answer is Earth's gravity...It holds the atmosphere on the surface...Our atmosphere is mainly composed of Nitrogen and Oxygen...Since they are heavy molecules, they tend to have low escape speed...As a result, they stay on the surface of the earth cuz Earth's gravity is tooo strong for them....We don't have hydrogen or helium in our atmosphere cuz their escape speed is very high...Our Earth's gravity is tooo weak to pull them back....
2007-03-23 05:25:08 · answer #1 · answered by Maverick977 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity is the correct answer. The density of the atmosphere itself causes it to be affected by the earths gravity. The further away from the earth you get, the less dense the atmosphere, which is also why the upper layers of the atmosphere become increasingly larger. Once the density of the atmosphere falls to a point with which is no longer affected by gravity, iot ceases to exist.
2007-03-23 11:12:00 · answer #2 · answered by Jim M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same thing that keeps you from being flung of the Earth: gravity. This also accounts for the atmosphere being less dense the higher you go.
2007-03-23 11:33:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity.
2007-03-23 11:04:40 · answer #4 · answered by jon_santana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity pulls on gas molecules just like any other mass.
.
2007-03-23 11:09:43 · answer #5 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the earth's gravity hols it here.
2007-03-23 11:04:09 · answer #6 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is gravity.however some gases as hydrogene and helium cannot be retained.
2007-03-23 14:44:03 · answer #7 · answered by najj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
me, and I'm starting to lose my grip
2007-03-23 11:25:15 · answer #8 · answered by SteveA8 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it's held together by love
2007-03-23 11:10:44 · answer #9 · answered by Me 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋