Calculating Density of High Altitude Air Using Ideal Gas Law

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the density at an altitude of 20 km in an ideal gas atmosphere with a uniform temperature of 200 K. The equations used are P=rho*R*T and dp/dz= -rho*g, and the value of g used is 3.92 m/s^2. The next step is to integrate to find a solution for P as a function of height, but the accuracy of the given value for g should be confirmed before proceeding.
  • #1
Matt766
5
1

Homework Statement


Treat the atmosphere as an ideal gas with a uniform temperature of 200 K. Find the density at 20 km.

R= 260 N*m/(kg*k)
g= 3.92 m/s^2
rho(0)= 0.015 kg/m^3

Homework Equations


P=rho*R*T
dp/dz= -rho*g

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the pressure at ground level using P=rho*R*T

P=(0.015 kg/m^3) (260 N*m/(Kg K)) (200 K) = 780 N/m^2

I'm not sure how to proceed from here.
 
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  • #2
That equation for the density looks like it's off by a factor of 100.

As far as what to do next, take the equation for p and substitute it into the equation for dp/dz.

Chet
 
  • #3
Matt766 said:

Homework Statement


Treat the atmosphere as an ideal gas with a uniform temperature of 200 K. Find the density at 20 km.

R= 260 N*m/(kg*k)
g= 3.92 m/s^2
rho(0)= 0.015 kg/m^3[/B]

Homework Equations


P=rho*R*T
dp/dz= -rho*g[/B]


The Attempt at a Solution


I found the pressure at ground level using P=rho*R*T

P=(0.015 kg/m^3) (260 N*m/(Kg K)) (200 K) = 780 N/m^2

I'm not sure how to proceed from here.[/B]

Use the equations under 2 to write dp/dz in terms of P and T. Integrate to get a solution for P as a function of height.
 
  • #4
Matt766 said:

Homework Statement


Treat the atmosphere as an ideal gas with a uniform temperature of 200 K. Find the density at 20 km.

R= 260 N*m/(kg*k)
g= 3.92 m/s^2
rho(0)= 0.015 kg/m^3

Although the acceleration due to gravity g varies with altitude, it is not clear where you obtained a value of g = 3.92 m/s2 for an altitude of 20 km.

You should check this figure before proceeding with your calculations.
 

Related to Calculating Density of High Altitude Air Using Ideal Gas Law

1. What is the definition of density of high altitude air?

The density of high altitude air refers to the amount of mass per unit volume of air that is present at high altitudes. It is affected by factors such as temperature and air pressure.

2. How does the density of high altitude air compare to that of air at sea level?

The density of high altitude air is significantly lower than that of air at sea level. This is because as altitude increases, the air molecules are more spread out and there is less atmospheric pressure pushing down on them.

3. What is the relationship between density and altitude in the atmosphere?

As altitude increases, the density of air decreases. This is due to the fact that as air rises, it is subject to lower atmospheric pressure which causes the air molecules to spread out.

4. How does temperature affect the density of high altitude air?

Temperature has an inverse relationship with the density of high altitude air. As temperature increases, the air molecules gain more energy and spread out, resulting in a decrease in density.

5. Why is the density of high altitude air important?

The density of high altitude air is important for a variety of reasons. It affects the performance of aircraft at high altitudes, as well as the behavior of weather systems and the Earth's climate. It also plays a role in determining the amount of oxygen available for breathing at high altitudes.

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