The force of air pressure on our planet is indeed significantly higher than the force of gravity on the atmosphere. This apparent difference is primarily due to the large area over which the air pressure is distributed.
When we talk about the force of gravity on the atmosphere, we consider the gravitational force acting on each individual air molecule. Gravity pulls each molecule downward towards the Earth's surface. However, when we calculate the total force of gravity on the atmosphere, we sum up the gravitational forces acting on all the molecules.
On the other hand, the force of air pressure is the result of the collective impact of all the air molecules colliding with each other and with the surfaces around them. These molecular collisions exert a force in all directions, including upward, downward, and sideways.
To understand why the force of air pressure is much greater, consider the following analogy: Imagine you have a stack of books resting on a table. The weight of each book represents the force of gravity acting on individual air molecules. Now, if you were to place your hand on top of the stack of books and press down, the force you exert on the books represents the force of air pressure. Even though the weight of a single book is much smaller than the force you apply with your hand, the area of your hand is much larger than the area of a single book. Consequently, the force of air pressure is distributed over a larger area, resulting in a higher overall force.
Similarly, the force of air pressure is distributed over the entire surface of the Earth's atmosphere, which is an enormous area. This large area leads to a substantial total force of air pressure, which is significantly higher than the force of gravity acting on the atmosphere.
It's important to note that while the force of air pressure is higher than the force of gravity on the atmosphere, the gravitational force still plays a crucial role in holding the atmosphere close to the Earth's surface. The balance between these forces enables the atmosphere to remain bound to our planet.