Why does the earth atmosphere doesn't get emptied into the space?

Question

The space is nothing but vacuum. The earth's atmosphere contains many gases. Why does the atmosphere doesn't get emptied from high pressure to the low pressure? Is it because of the gravity effect that we are saved of this to happen? I think so but just want to confirm

Answer 1

Gravity holds the atmosphere. That's why the Moon doesn't have any - too little gravity.

Answer 2

Two main attributes of a planet keep the atmosphere close to the surface.

First is surface gravity. This is the force that holds down an atmosphere on a planet. This differs significantly among planets. For example, the large gravitational force of the giant planet Jupiter is able to retain light gases such as hydrogen and helium that escape from lower gravity objects.

Second, the distance from the sun determines the energy available to heat atmospheric gas to the point where its molecules' thermal motion exceed the planet's escape velocity, the speed at which gas molecules overcome a planet's gravitational grasp. Thus, the distant and cold Titan, Triton, and Pluto are able to retain their atmospheres despite relatively low gravities. Interstellar planets, theoretically, may also retain thick atmospheres.

Other mechanisms that can cause atmosphere depletion are solar wind-induced sputtering, impact erosion, weathering, and sequestration — sometimes referred to as "freezing out" — into the regolith and polar caps.

Answer 3

A column of air one one square inch in size and 600 miles high weighs 14.7 pounds. Multiply that by the total square inches on earth and... well, you get the idea. Our atmosphere is billions of tons of air, held here by the weakest of all the four forces, gravity.

Answer 4

Probably not. That's like taking a jar 10 metres down in the ocean - not very far for a SCUBA diver or submarine, and most people can surface dive that far. So go try it. More exciting to blow up a balloon at 20 metres underwater, then let it go.

Answer 5

Gravity keeps the atmosphere (and me!) from floating away into space

Answer 6

You can turn this argument into religion.
Is it God's design that the amount of gravity is just right?
Men are not too heavy and the atmosphere is just kept here due to the right amount of gravity.
No, science is science. Intelligent design theory is dead.
The magnitude of gravity is just right.

Answer 7

yes your right also its becasue some of the gases are light enough so they stay in the atmosphere

Answer 8

Earth's gravity holds it down. That's why it's denser the lower you get.

Answer 9

Gravity and, to some small degree, intermolecular forces, hold it in place.