1. Estimate the mass of air in kilograms in a classroom that has a 200-m^2 floor area and a 4-m-high ceiling. (Assume a chilly 10°C temperature.)
2. Why doesn’t the pressure of the atmosphere break windows?
1. Estimate the mass of air in kilograms in a classroom that has a 200-m^2 floor area and a 4-m-high ceiling. (Assume a chilly 10°C temperature.)
2. Why doesn’t the pressure of the atmosphere break windows?
1. The mass of air is 1000 kg. The volume of air is 200 m^2 \times 4m = 800 m^3 ; each cubic meter of air has a mass of about 1.25 kg, so 800 m^3 \times 1.25 kg/m^3 = 1000 kg.
2. Atmospheric pressure is exerted on both sides of a window, so no net force is exerted on the window. If for some reason the pressure is reduced or increased on one side only, as in a strong wind, then watch out!