AY0116

Let's say that it were possible to build a tube that would reach from the surface all the way to space. What would happen?

If you were to take the tube and open it inside earth and open the other end in outer space, would it act like a vacuum and start sucking air through the tube??

Ben

stick a straw into your soda... put your thumb over the end of the straw... pull the straw ALMOST all the way out of your soda... remove your thumb.... does the soda "vent" into the air? or fall back down the tube into the cup?

campbelp2002

No, and here is why.

Surrounding any part of the atmosphere by a tall pipe doesn't make any difference. The top of the atmosphere is exposed to the vacuum of space everywhere, including that little spot where the top of the pipe would be.

The air stays near the ground because it's molecules are not moving fast enough to escape Earth's gravity. In effect the gravity pulling air down is stronger than the vacuum pulling air up.

Anyway, a vacuum cleaner does not technically suck in air. Instead it pushes air out of its insides through one vent, leaving a low pressure area inside it, and higher pressure air outside forces its way in the other vent, the one with the hose attached to it. So the vacuum isn't pulling in air, air is forcing its way in from outside.

Kyle M

No, the atmosphere extends out into space, there is no barrier that keeps the air in, gravity is the main force that holds air down which still effects in when in a tube.