What physical mechanisms are involved in heating planetary bodies?

In summary: C said:In summary, the conversation discusses the various physical mechanisms involved in the heating and melting of asteroids and planets. These include the heat from the sun, the violent accretion process during creation, and the contribution of radioactive materials. The forum encourages individuals to do their own research before seeking clarification and to refrain from providing direct answers.
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RedGiant
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Many asteroids and planets have undergone enough heating so that they were at some point completely or partially melted. What physical mechanisms are in play here?
Many asteroids and planets have undergone enough heating so that they were at some point completely or partially melted. What physical mechanisms are in play here? I'm assuming a solar system such as our own.

Thanks!
 
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What research have you done on this so far? What have you found out? There are a couple of obvious ones that should jump right out at you.

Ah ... I see you are new. Welcome to the forum. This is not exactly a Q&A forum. We expect people to have done some research on their own before coming here to get confusing/unclear things cleared up.
 
  • #3
Sun heat.
 
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There are a few primary ones:

The sun: a decent amount of heat comes from the sun, it is the primary reason that there is liquid water on earth.

Accretion: When the planets and bodies were created, it was a time of incredible violence. Objects would hit each other at thousands of miles an hour, which produced a lot of heat.

Radioactivity: Big objects like the Earth have enough radioactive materials in them that there decay can contribute to the internal temperature of them.
 
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Well, redgiant, apparently I was wrong and we ARE a pure Q&A forum.
 
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  • #6
mathman said:
Sun heat.

newjerseyrunner said:
There are a few primary ones:
Guys ! please!
when you see that some one does a response like @phinds did in post #2

DONT hand the OP all the info on a silver platter ... let the OP think about it and see what
they can come up with, then help them from there
That is the PF way !Dave
 
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1. What is the main source of heat for planetary bodies?

The main source of heat for planetary bodies is radioactive decay of elements within the planet's core. This heat is generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes such as uranium, thorium, and potassium. Other sources of heat include tidal forces, impact heating, and residual heat from the planet's formation.

2. How does the greenhouse effect contribute to the heating of planetary bodies?

The greenhouse effect is a process by which certain gases in a planet's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, causing the planet's surface temperature to rise. This effect is responsible for the heating of planetary bodies such as Earth, Venus, and Mars. Without the greenhouse effect, these planets would be much colder and potentially unable to support life.

3. What role do convection currents play in heating planetary bodies?

Convection currents are responsible for the transfer of heat from a planet's core to its surface. These currents are created by the temperature difference between the hot core and the cooler surface, causing molten material to rise and cooler material to sink. This process helps to distribute heat throughout the planet and maintain its internal temperature.

4. How do magnetic fields contribute to the heating of planetary bodies?

Magnetic fields play a crucial role in the heating of planetary bodies. They are generated by the planet's core and act as a shield, protecting the planet from harmful solar winds and radiation. This protection allows for the retention of heat within the planet's atmosphere, contributing to its overall warmth.

5. What effect does a planet's distance from the sun have on its temperature?

A planet's distance from the sun has a significant impact on its temperature. The closer a planet is to the sun, the more heat it receives, and the warmer its surface will be. Conversely, a planet that is farther from the sun will receive less heat and have a cooler surface temperature. This is why planets in our solar system, such as Mercury and Venus, have much higher temperatures than planets like Neptune and Pluto.

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