On the barometric formula
Abstract
The barometric formula, relating the pressure p(z) of an isothermal, ideal gas of molecular mass m at some height z to its pressure p(0) at height z=0, is discussed. After a brief historical review, several derivations are given. Generalizations of the barometric formula for a nonuniform gravitational field and for a vertical temperature gradient are also presented.
- Publication:
-
American Journal of Physics
- Pub Date:
- May 1997
- DOI:
- 10.1119/1.18555
- Bibcode:
- 1997AmJPh..65..404B
- Keywords:
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- 01.50.-i;
- 51.10.+y;
- Educational aids;
- Kinetic and transport theory of gases