What is the Scale height of Jupiter?

Answer:

By considering P(h) = P(0) * exp(-(mgh/kT)) - (where P(h) is the pressure result of the equation; P(0) is the pressure at the "surface" of the planet; m is the mass of the molecule that is predominant in the atmosphere (in kg); g is the gravitational acceleration present on the planet; k is Boltzmann's constant; T is mean observed temperature (in Kelvin))

We can then analyse what height is needed for P(h) to be equal to 1/e of the surface value: the scale height

h(0) = kT/mg for P(h) to be equal to 1/e, and by substituting in standard values, and assuming a predominantly hydrogen gas atmosphere, and using g=GM/r^2, we derive the result (that varies according to the different values of g, m, and T that you use):

h(0)(Jupiter) = ~20km

Have fun ;-)

First answer by ProtonMan88. Last edit by ProtonMan88. Contributor trust: 2 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].