The virial theorem and planetary atmospheres
General Physics
2010-09-23 v2 Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics
Abstract
We derive a version of the virial theorem that is applicable to diatomic planetary atmospheres that are in approximate thermal equilibrium at moderate temperatures and pressures and are sufficiently thin such that the gravitational acceleration can be considered constant. We contrast a pedagogically inclined theoretical presentation with the actual measured properties of air.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1002.2980,
title = {The virial theorem and planetary atmospheres},
author = {Viktor T. Toth},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1002.2980},
year = {2010}
}
Comments
5 pages. Accepted for publication in Id\H{o}j\'ar\'as - Quarterly Journal of the Hungarian Meteorological Service (HMS)