Lifetime of CO2 in Mars atmosphere

[frozenguy]

Homework Statement

Estimate the lifetime of CO₂ in the atmosphere of Mars.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

What is he asking? How long has the CO2 been in the atmosphere? It just seems rather vague.

 

[gneill]

Mars is losing its atmosphere. Heavier molecules last longer than lighter ones. Think about temperatures, kinetic energy distributions, escape speeds,...

 

[frozenguy]

So is he asking to estimate how long until there is about 0% CO2 in the atmosphere? Or an average time before a molecule escapes?

 

[gneill]

So is he asking to estimate how long until there is about 0% CO2 in the atmosphere? Or an average time before a molecule escapes?

At a guess I'd say estimate a time constant for the decay (##~e^{-t/\tau}~##) and call ##\approx 5\tau## the lifetime.

 

[asteriatic]

Can you provide more context or information? Additionally, the lifetime of CO2 in the atmosphere of Mars can vary depending on factors such as atmospheric conditions and human activity. It is estimated that the CO2 in Mars' atmosphere has been present for billions of years, but it is constantly being cycled through processes such as weathering and volcanic activity. Without more specific information, it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the lifetime of CO2 in Mars' atmosphere.