Calculating Time to Heat Earth to 100°C

  • Thread starter Thread starter djk628
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Heat Time
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time required for the Earth to heat from 0°C to 100°C using the radiant energy intercepted from the Sun, quantified at 1.27 x 1017 W. The volume of the Earth is assumed to be 1.08 x 1021 m3, and the specific heat capacity of water is utilized in the calculations. The final result indicates that it would take approximately 113 years for the Earth to reach this temperature, assuming no energy loss.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the specific heat capacity formula (Q=mc*deltaT)
  • Basic knowledge of energy units (Watts, Joules)
  • Familiarity with volume and mass conversions (m3 to kg)
  • Concept of energy balance in thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the implications of energy absorption and heat transfer in planetary science.
  • Research the specific heat capacities of different materials beyond water.
  • Learn about energy conservation principles in closed systems.
  • Investigate the effects of greenhouse gases on Earth's temperature dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or environmental science, educators teaching thermodynamics, and researchers interested in planetary heating processes.

djk628
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The Earth intercepts 1.27 x 10^17 W of radiant energy from the Sun. Suppose the Earth, of volume 1.08 x 10^21 m3, was composed of water. How long would it take for the Earth at 0°C to reach 100°C, if none of the energy was radiated or reflected back out into space?


Homework Equations


Q=mc*deltaT


The Attempt at a Solution


I just want to make sure that I did this correctly because the answer choices are all similar and vary by degrees of magnitude and I would like to avoid a simple mistake. Multiply the volume by 1000 to get the weight in kilograms, then multiply by 100, the temperature change. Multiply this by the specific heat. So:

1.27 x 10^17 = 1.08 x 10^24 kg * 4186 * 100

divide both sides by Q, gives a value in seconds. Convert to years which is approximately 113 years. Is this correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
your equation should be

(1.27 x 10^17)*t = 1.08 x 10^24 kg * 4186 * 100

But other than that, it looks like it should be correct.
 

Similar threads

I try to solve a thermodynamics problem on heat transfer
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How Long Would It Take for Earth to Reach 100°C?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Heat Transfer. Ice and steam in a container (easy)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Calculate energy required to heat water using a steam coil
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Heat Energy and Power -- Heating ice in a copper pan
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Calculate the Heat Loss in a Hot Water Tank from a Shower
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Meteor impact - Heat vaporization and capacity
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Heating water in a kettle (time, boil out time, work done)
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
Calculate Resultant Temperature: 100g Steam at 100°C + 500g Ice at -20°C
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Heat engines working over time
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K