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<DIV>Air molecules are never at rest. They undergo constant random thermal motions of a variety of types. The simplest type is that of uniform translation. The mean speed is about 500 m/s which is greater than the speed of sound (340 m/s). </DIV>
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<DIV>Randy</DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I thought it was time to stir the pot while we wait for the results from the Worlds.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Can anyone explain why gravity doesn't pull all the air molecules down to earth? Are they lighter than space? What is their mean speed?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I don't think this will help answer the weathervaning question and won't help us fly any better but I thought it might be fun.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Jim O</FONT></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></body></html>