How much does the sky weigh?

Correct answer: A. 5.2 million billion metric tons

  • A. 5.2 million billion metric tons
  • B. 12 billion kilograms
  • C. 1000 kilograms
  • D. The sky does not have weight

Explanation

The correct answer is that the sky, or more accurately the Earth's atmosphere, weighs approximately 5.2 million billion metric tons. This is derived from the average atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch, which equates to about 6.6 kilograms per square inch, over the entire surface area of the Earth. This pressure is exerted by the weight of the air above us. Option A correctly captures this immense weight. Option B and Option C significantly underestimate this weight, failing to account for the vast volume and coverage of the atmosphere. Option D mistakenly suggests the sky has no weight, ignoring the gravitational effect on the atmospheric gases.

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