What is the approximate mass of a 1-square-centimeter column of air that extends from sea level to the top of the atmosphere?
A) 100 kilograms
B) 1 kilogram
C) 1 gram
D) 10 kilograms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The approximate mass of a 1-square-centimeter column of air extending from sea level to the top of the atmosphere is about 1 kilogram. This is a standard reference value in atmospheric science, reflecting the average pressure at sea level of about 101,325 Pascals (or 1,013.25 millibars), which is equivalent to the weight of a 1 kg mass.

What Is the Approximate Mass of a 1-Square-Centimeter Column of Air