volume_mute
Why the Atmosphere Doesn't Crush Objects
publish date: 2026/05/19 19:14:46.117213 UTC
volume_mute
The atmosphere exerts a force of about 294 pounds on the palm of your hand. Why isn't your hand crushed by this force?
Correct Answer
The atmosphere exerts an equal force upward on the underside of the hand
Explanation
The air under your hand exerts an equal pressure upward. Additionally, the fluids and solids within our bodies exert equal outward pressure, balancing the atmospheric pressure from the outside.
Reference
Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide