Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimjam
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To do with density (He in lower atmosphere would get displaced by heavy gasses 'falling' down to the surface?) and KT physics (in a group of particles the distribution of energy is uneven - some have more, others have less. The particles with more energy would be more motivated and able to escape. Similar to how water can evaporate without boiling. My best guesses. Not studied physics for a decade or two.
The earth does lose a lot of helium, doesn't it?
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I havn't measured if its losing helium so i'm not sure. I just go with what I know and can observe or test.
I agree that it has to do with density, but if there's no barrier like a dome then the topmost gasses would get sucked into "space" since gravity can't hold them down against the force of a vacuum.
Or the entire atmosphere.