There seems to be a fairly general acceptance of the idea that atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of the molecules in the atmosphere. This idea is supported even by Wikipedia. I am not convinced that this is true. I think that atmospheric pressure is caused by "air" molecules colliding with the Earth's surface. This is not a new idea, of course, but it may not be widely held. If true, however, surely the "air has weight" explanation should be put to rest, as in Wiki and other websites.
If I am wrong in believing the "molecular collisions" explanation, I should welcome comments that would put me right.
However, in order to support my rejection of the "air has weight" theory, please consider the following thought experiment.
According to this idea, all the air molecules are subjected to the force of gravity, and so the weight forces of the molecules act vertically downwards towards the centre of the Earth. So far, so good.
Now, suppose a smooth, plane surface is placed on the Earth's surface, but at an angle to the surface. This plane will intercept the downward weight forces of the molecules, and so will cause a sideways force as well a a reduced vertically downwards force, by a simple resolution of forces. In the absence of friction, the inclined plane will then move sideways, and, hey, we've got a way of getting energy from the atmosphere!! I wish.
This also begs another question about the "air has weight theory, but maybe better to leave this for another time.