Compute the typical thermal energy of a water molecule at normal conditions: (kB T) and compare it to the answer of the previous problem (previous problem and answer listed below), where you computed the work needed to lift a molecule by a certain distance. Based on this comparison, the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere is about: (Show work)
a. 10 km
b. 1000 km
c. 1 km
d. 100 km
previous problem: How much work is needed to lift a water molecule by 15 km?
Pretend that the gravity force is the same throughout. Give answer in Joules, 2 significant digits, do not write down the units. answer: W = 18 * 1.67e-27 * 9.8 * 15e3 = 4.5e-22