Weight of Air
We've all heard that the reason helium balloons float is because helium is lighter than air. What many of us have wondered but have never (until now) taken the time to learn is exactly what is the weight of air.
Interestingly, the weight of air varies depending on the temperature. In short, the colder it is outside the more dense and heavy air becomes.
The chart below shows the fluctuations in the weight of air from a frigid -40◦F day to to conditions of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. For all practical purposes the weight of air that we all come into contact with on a daily basis weighs about .075 pounds per cubic foot.
Imagining the size of a cubic foot is simply to picture a square box with dimensions that are exactly one foot high, one foot long, and one foot deep. For all intents and purposes on a typical day where the weather is anywhere from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit the weigh of air in a box measuring one cubic foot would be about 7.5% of a pound.
Considering that there are 16 ounces in a pound and a cubic foot of air tips the scales at about 7.5% of a pound this means that there are 1.2 ounces in a cubic foot of air which is the equivalent of about 34 grams.
Interestingly, the weight of air varies depending on the temperature. In short, the colder it is outside the more dense and heavy air becomes.
The chart below shows the fluctuations in the weight of air from a frigid -40◦F day to to conditions of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. For all practical purposes the weight of air that we all come into contact with on a daily basis weighs about .075 pounds per cubic foot.
Imagining the size of a cubic foot is simply to picture a square box with dimensions that are exactly one foot high, one foot long, and one foot deep. For all intents and purposes on a typical day where the weather is anywhere from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit the weigh of air in a box measuring one cubic foot would be about 7.5% of a pound.
Considering that there are 16 ounces in a pound and a cubic foot of air tips the scales at about 7.5% of a pound this means that there are 1.2 ounces in a cubic foot of air which is the equivalent of about 34 grams.
(click on the chart to enlarge)
