Final answer:
To compute the mass of the atmosphere of a spherical planet, you need to consider the density of the atmosphere and the volume of the planet. Factors that influence this calculation include the composition of the atmosphere and the size and shape of the planet.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compute the mass of the atmosphere of a spherical planet, you need to consider the density of the atmosphere and the volume of the planet. The mass can be calculated using the formula: mass = density x volume. Factors that influence this calculation include the composition of the atmosphere, which determines its density, and the size and shape of the planet, which determines its volume.
For example, on Earth, the mass of the atmosphere is about 5 x 10^18 kilograms. This is a small fraction of the total mass of the planet, which is around 5.9726 x 10^24 kilograms. The main factors influencing this calculation are the composition of Earth's atmosphere, which is primarily made up of nitrogen and oxygen, and the size and shape of the planet.
Other factors can also influence the mass of a planet's atmosphere, such as the presence of greenhouse gases, which can affect the density of the atmosphere, and the gravitational pull of the planet, which can affect its shape and volume.