A simple numerical model to simulate a gas in a constant gravitational field

Authors
Pantellini, FGE
Citation
Fge. Pantellini, A simple numerical model to simulate a gas in a constant gravitational field, AM J PHYS, 68(1), 2000, pp. 61-68
Citations number
19
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
ISSN journal
00029505 → ACNP
Volume
68
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
61 - 68
Database
ISI
SICI code
0002-9505(200001)68:1<61:ASNMTS>2.0.ZU;2-0
Abstract
The equilibrium pressure of a perfect gas in a constant gravitational field decreases exponentially with height. This result, known as the barometric formula, can be observed in a one-dimensional numerical simulation where th e gas molecules are represented by colliding massive points. (C) 2000 Ameri can Association of Physics Teachers.