The answer is yes – Earth does lose some of its atmosphere to space. But our atmosphere won’t disappear completely in the near future, because most of it is bound to the Earth by the force of gravity – the same force that keeps us anchored to Earth.
Molecules in our atmosphere are constantly moving, spurred on by energizing sunlight, and some move quickly enough to escape the grip of Earth’s gravity. The escape velocity for planet Earth is a little over 11 kilometers per second – about 25 thousand miles an hour. If Earth were much less massive – say, as massive as Mars – gravity’s grip would be weaker. That’s one reason why Mars lost most of its original atmosphere. Here on Earth, not all particles are equally likely to escape. Light ones, like hydrogen and helium, typically move faster than heavier ones, like oxygen and nitrogen. That’s why light molecules are rare in our atmosphere – in contrast to their abundance in the universe at large.
i dont like earth i hate ithahahahahahahahha im stupid
Steve was here from Southridge middle school in Ms. Sidas class i hate this planet and i luv emani
if the earth loses atmosphere molecules then earth may be in danger right? is this all because of global warming, if it is we need to stop global warming as quick and as safe as possable but how do we do that if we possable could, could kids, and teens help in this organization or process?
it all makes no sence how do we lose it to space if we have gravity that is strong enough to hold down an elephant with 5 other elephants on its back although that is highly unlikely to happen. could this be the possable reason for more current and unexplainable deaths? i hope not!!!!!
by robin from davidson middle school in Mr.McIntosh’s class
this world is important help save it!!!!
i agree with robin that this is really important to the earth and human world.
hannah J. from davidson middle school