Question

The denser packing of molecules at the bottom of the atmosphere than molecules at the top of the

atmosphere is a result of ________.
A) gravity
B) Coriolis effect
C) friction
D) the sorting caused by varying weights of the gases
E) very good planning at the time of Earth's beginnings

Answer 1

The denser packing of molecules at the bottom of the atmosphere compared to the top is due to gravity, which compresses the gas particles closer to the Earth's surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

The denser packing of molecules at the bottom of the atmosphere than molecules at the top of the atmosphere is the result of gravity. Gravity acts on the gas particles in the atmosphere, pulling them towards the Earth's center, which causes the air to be denser at lower altitudes where the gravitational pull is stronger. As you move up into the atmosphere, the gravitational effect lessens, and the air becomes less dense. The kinetic theory of gases explains the behavior of these gas particles, including how their collisions, and therefore their pressure, are influenced by gravity.