The atmosphere is held to the Earth by:

Explanation:

The atmosphere is held to the Earth by gravity.

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. This same force keeps the layer of gases—known as the atmosphere—surrounding the planet from drifting away into space.

Key Points:

• The Earth’s gravitational pull attracts gas molecules toward its surface.

• Even though gases like oxygen and nitrogen are very light, they remain bound to Earth because of this force.

• Without gravity, the Earth would not have an atmosphere, and life would not be possible.

Final Answer:

The atmosphere is held to the Earth by: gravity.