Scale height

The scale height H is a constant of integration of an exponential function. For location-dependent functions they are at what height the function to the value of Euler's number e reduced. Likewise, it is the amount that would correspond a constant function, it would not decrease exponentially, ie Value of the definite integral of the function:

And

Or:

For exponential functions that describe the dependencies other than the height, the following terms apply:

• Decay law: reciprocal of the decay constants, decay time
• Absorption (physics): inverse of the absorption coefficient, penetration depth

Scale height of the atmosphere

The scale height in the barometric formula for the height-dependent pressure is in the near-Earth region:

With a height greater than 100 km, the temperature increases to 1500 K, the molar mass of 16 moles from. A good approximation for the height- dependent pressure is a customized scale height of H = 26 km.

In the Martian atmosphere, the scale height is, however, at 11 km.

In astronomy, it is called an air mass with a thickness of a scale height, which, at constant surface pressure, which has the same light attenuation, as the entire atmosphere with exponentially decreasing density and pressure.

• Atmosphere