The particles in an atmosphere will not escape the gravitational pull of a celestial body if their
velocity is smaller than 1/6 the escape velocity of the celestial body. The escape velocity is
dependent on the mass ( M ) and radius ( R ) of the celestial body. The Interactive allows you to
select from multiple planets to see how the escape velocity would increase as the mass and radius
of the celestial body increase.
Typically as the temperature of an atmosphere is increased, the velocity of the particles
increases, and they have a better chance of escaping.
Play the simulation for each celestial body at 1000 K and notice which are capable of holding
onto the heavier particles such as H O.
2
Sort the planets into categories depending on which celestial bodies can retain H O in their
2
atmosphere at 1000 K.
Celestial Bodies (5 items) (Drag and drop into the appropriate area below)
A. Mercury
B. Ceres
C. Jupiter
D. Moon
E. Venus.
The particles in an atmosphere will not escape the gravitational pull.pdf
1. The particles in an atmosphere will not escape the gravitational pull of a celestial body if their
velocity is smaller than 1/6 the escape velocity of the celestial body. The escape velocity is
dependent on the mass ( M ) and radius ( R ) of the celestial body. The Interactive allows you to
select from multiple planets to see how the escape velocity would increase as the mass and radius
of the celestial body increase.
Typically as the temperature of an atmosphere is increased, the velocity of the particles
increases, and they have a better chance of escaping.
Play the simulation for each celestial body at 1000 K and notice which are capable of holding
onto the heavier particles such as H 2 O.
Sort the planets into categories depending on which celestial bodies can retain H 2 O in their
atmosphere at 1000 K.
Celestial Bodies (5 items) (Drag and drop into the appropriate area below)
A. Mercury
B. Ceres
C. Jupiter
D. Moon
E. Venus
