The Barometric Formula and the Boltzmann Distribution: Problem: What is the P of the atmosphere at different heights above

the earths surface. Assumptions: ! The atmosphere is a s"stem at e#uilibrium $fair!. %! The Temperature is constant at different elevations $fair relative to absolute T! &! The gases in the atmosphere behave according to '( la)s $good!. *! The force of g is independent of height above the earth. $good + onl" because the earths atmosphere is small compared to its radius.! ,odel: At an" elevation ta-e a horizontal la"er )ith surface area. A. and thic-ness. dz. /ince the s"stem is at e#uilibrium the force pushing do)n on the surface area e#uals the force pushing up. The force pushing up. Fup 0 P A. $P 0 the pressure at a specified elevation. z. above the earths surface! The force do)n. is due to the air pressure at the top of the la"er and the )eight. dm. of the la"er immediatel" above the observed surface area. Fdo)n 0 $P 1 dP! A 1 g dm . %. &. *. 7. 9. :. <. <. >. Fup 0 Fdo)n dP 0 2g dm3A P4 0 n5T dm 0 ,P435T dP 0 2,P4g3A5T dP3P 0 2,gdz35T let n 0 dm3, solve for dm PA 0 $P 1 dP! A 1 g dm 0 PA 1 A dP 1 g dm solve for dP

sub into e#uation 6% let 4 0 A dz and rearrange 8. 'ntegrate from earths surface to height. z

PoP dP3P 0 2 ,g35T ;z dzsolve integral 8.. ln $P3P;! 0 2,gz35T P3P; 0 e=p $2,gz35T! P 0 P; e=p$2,gz35T! ta-e e=ponent of both sides 8.. rearrange 8..

The Boltzmann distribution la): ,gz 0 Potential energ" due to position in gravitational field. P3P? 0 e=p $2,gz35T! B3B; 0 e=p $2@35T! generalizes to 8 P3 P? 0 e=p $2@35T! A P3P? 0 B3B;8 or on microscopic scale8 B3B; 0 e=p $23-T!