How Much Will Day Length Increase If Polar Ice Melts 10m?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the increase in day length resulting from a 10-meter rise in polar ice melt. Participants reference the moment of inertia formula for a sphere, Isphere = (2MR^2) / 5, and consider the implications of angular momentum, although it is noted that this topic has not yet been covered in their curriculum. The consensus suggests that conservation of energy principles may be applicable, while linear momentum considerations are also mentioned as potential avenues for exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly rotational dynamics
  • Familiarity with the moment of inertia and its calculation
  • Knowledge of conservation laws in physics, specifically energy and momentum
  • Basic understanding of Earth's physical properties, including its radius and density
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of conservation of angular momentum in planetary physics
  • Study the effects of mass redistribution on Earth's rotation
  • Explore the relationship between ice melt and sea level rise in geophysical contexts
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of Earth's rotational dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on rotational dynamics and conservation laws, as well as environmental scientists interested in the effects of climate change on Earth's physical properties.

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Homework Statement



If the melting of the polar ice caps were to raise the water level on the Earth by 10
m, by how much would the day be lengthened? Assume that the moment of inertia of
the ice in the polar ice caps is negligible (they are very near the axis), and assume that
the extra water spreads out uniformly over the entire surface of the Earth (that is
neglect the area of the continents compared with the area of oceans). Assume that the
earth is a sphere with uniform density

Homework Equations



Isphere = (2MR^2 ) / 5

The Attempt at a Solution


I think i found the correct answer by assuming Earth's radius 6400000 m and using angular momentum.
However we are not allowed to use angular momentum since so far we have not mentioned chapter of rotational dynamics.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Conservation of energy?
Conservation of linear momentum?

What can you use? eg. what is the context in terms of the subjects most recently taught?
 

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