Q
QuestionPhysics

A NASA spacecraft measures the rate, R, at which atmospheric pressure on Mars decreases with altitude as R = 0.0406 kPa km- 1. Convert R to mJ m- 4.
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Answer

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Step 1
: Recall the necessary conversion factors and relationships.

We need to convert this rate to millijoules per square meter per kilometer (mJ m$^{-4}$).
We are given the rate of decrease of atmospheric pressure (R) with respect to altitude in kilometers (km) on Mars. To do this, we will use the conversion factors between the units and the relationship between pressure and distance.

Step 2
: Convert the given rate to the desired units.

0.0406 \ \text{kPa} \cdot \frac{1000 \ \text{Pa}}{1 \ \text{kPa}} \cdot \frac{1 \ \text{N}}{1 \ \text{Pa}} \cdot \frac{1 \ \text{mJ}}{10^{-3} \ \text{J}} \cdot \frac{1 \ \text{km}}{1000 \ \text{m}} = 0.0406 \ \text{mJ} \ \text{km}^{-1}
1 kPa = 1000 Pa Using these conversion factors, we can write:

Final Answer

The rate of decrease of atmospheric pressure on Mars is 0.0406 mJ m$^{- 4}$.