College Physics (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073512141
ISBN 13: 978-0-07351-214-3

Chapter 13 - Conceptual Questions - Page 495: 14

Answer

Hydrogen and helium particles can reach speeds which are greater than the escape speed from the Earth, and these particles can escape from the Earth's atmosphere and fly off into space. The escape velocity from Jupiter is significantly greater than the escape velocity from the Earth. Therefore, the hydrogen and helium particles in Jupiter's atmosphere do not move at speeds which surpass the escape velocity from Jupiter and they remain in Jupiter's atmosphere.

Work Step by Step

The average kinetic energy of gas particles in the atmosphere is equal for different types of gases. Since hydrogen and helium particles have a smaller mass, they move at a faster speed. Hydrogen and helium particles can reach speeds which are greater than the escape speed from the Earth, and these particles can escape from the Earth's atmosphere and fly off into space. The escape velocity from Jupiter is significantly greater than the escape velocity from the Earth. Therefore, the hydrogen and helium particles in Jupiter's atmosphere do not move at speeds which surpass the escape velocity from Jupiter and they remain in Jupiter's atmosphere.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.