Could we blow up a planet with our current technology?

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SUMMARY

Current technology is insufficient to "blow up" a planet, as the energy required far exceeds the capabilities of existing explosives. The gravitational binding energy of an Earth-like planet is approximately 10^32 Joules, which translates to several hundred billion kilotons. Even with hypothetical resources, such as 5 to 6 trillion tonnes of C4 and thermonuclear devices, the energy output remains inadequate. The discussion highlights the impracticality of using conventional and nuclear explosives to achieve such a feat.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational binding energy
  • Knowledge of chemical explosives, specifically C4 and TNT
  • Familiarity with thermonuclear devices and their energy outputs
  • Basic concepts of planetary science and physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of gravitational binding energy in planetary science
  • Explore the energy outputs of various explosives, including C4 and TNT
  • Investigate the theoretical implications of Dyson spheres and Ringworlds
  • Examine the feasibility of using advanced technologies for planetary engineering
USEFUL FOR

Scientists, physicists, and enthusiasts interested in planetary science, explosives, and theoretical engineering concepts will benefit from this discussion.

harp AP 2010
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Could we "blow up" a planet with our current technology?

Could we "blow up" a planet with our current technology?
 
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Actually, we could, but it depends upon the availability of materials. I'm pretty sure that 5 or 6 trillion tonnes of C4 would be noticeable, not to mention the addition of thermonuclear devices.
 


The gravitational binding energy of an Earth type planet is of the order of 10^32J = a few 10^20 kilotons.
 


NobodySpecial said:
The gravitational binding energy of an Earth type planet is of the order of 10^32J = a few 10^20 kilotons.

Oh, sure... get technical about it... :rolleyes:


:biggrin:
 


Danger said:
Actually, we could, but it depends upon the availability of materials. I'm pretty sure that 5 or 6 trillion tonnes of C4 would be noticeable, not to mention the addition of thermonuclear devices.
Nope, wouldn't make a scratch. All the explosives, conventional and nuclear, along with all the known reserves for making more would be insufficient to noticeably damage the smallest planetoid. Energy requirements for a planet killer are absolutely enormous.
 


K^2 said:
Nope, wouldn't make a scratch. All the explosives, conventional and nuclear, along with all the known reserves for making more would be insufficient to noticeably damage the smallest planetoid. Energy requirements for a planet killer are absolutely enormous.

But you are referring to everything that we currently have in the world's arsenals. That was the whole point of me specifying a limit of resources. I don't disagree with you in the context that you are referring to, but I do believe that with almost-unlimited future resources it can be done. I also believe in the possibility of a Dyson sphere or a Ringworld, so maybe I'm just a dreamer.
 


Danger said:
Actually, we could, but it depends upon the availability of materials. I'm pretty sure that 5 or 6 trillion tonnes of C4 would be noticeable, not to mention the addition of thermonuclear devices.

Even if the entire Earth was made up of C4, it wouldn't be enough to overcome gravity. You need about 4*10^7 J/Kg to disperse the Earth beyond the reach of gravity. (see link about death star above).
This is more energy than any chemical explosive can provide. TNT gives 4.2 * 10^6 J/Kg
 


Which one are you looking at?

"Oh, I'm going to blow it up; it obstructs my view of Venus." - Marvin the Martian
 
  • #10


Dr Lots-o'watts said:
Which one are you looking at?

"Oh, I'm going to blow it up; it obstructs my view of Venus." - Marvin the Martian

Oh, crap, but I miss that little bastard!

Willem, I agree with you in the way that you expressed it. I was referring more toward rendering a planet unfit for life as we know it, rather than utterly eliminating any history of it from the universe. I have learned, through bitter experience, to set my sights low.
 
  • #11


Someone beat me to it. If you want to blow up the Earth you want to use a small stick of Illudium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator.
PS That is my favourite bugs bunny cartoon EVAR.


EDIT: It's also why the Core is such an annoying film (not counting the awful plot and acting). Let's get a nuke to restart to core spinning... pffft.
 
  • #12


xxChrisxx said:
Someone beat me to it. If you want to blow up the Earth you want to use a small stick of Illudium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator.

That so pissed me off when I was a kid. I ordered one from an ad in the back of a comic book, and all that I got was a damned firecracker. I was already playing with 12-gauges and C4, so you can imagine what a disappointment that was.
 
  • #13


harp AP 2010 said:
Could we "blow up" a planet with our current technology?

It should be possible to "blow up" a planet with our current technology. The more difficult question is whether or not we have the necessary supply of that tech to blow a planet up. I personally would not like to experiment this on any neighboring planets though.
 
  • #14


hidlAP2010 said:
I personally would not like to experiment this on any neighboring planets though.
Well you aren't going to get to be emperor with that kind of defeatist attitude
 
  • #15


why would you want to, it just seems a little dangerous...and I think that even if we tried we couldn't
 
  • #16


I don't want to, I was just curious of what we can do and the response I would get. Yes it is dangerous, that's why warning labels are on all over explosives. From the results it would seem we cannot blow up a planet.
 
  • #17


harp AP 2010 said:
I don't want to, I was just curious of what we can do and the response I would get. Yes it is dangerous, that's why warning labels are on all over explosives. From the results it would seem we cannot blow up a planet.

Are there really warning labels on explosives? What do they say?

"Do not dispose of in fireplace." :bugeye:
 

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