Question About Energy Conservation Of Gas Clouds

In summary, a hydrogen gas cloud collapsing due to its own gravity results in increased pressure and heat due to decreased volume. This heat is radiated back into space and comes from the gravitational potential energy of the gas. This does not violate the conservation of energy principle, as there is no energy created or destroyed. The gas giant will continue to radiate heat until it reaches equilibrium with the radiation it is receiving. Compression and heating causes the gas to radiate heat and while it may eventually run out of potential energy, it will continue to lose energy and gain it at the same rate.
  • #1
waht
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Suppose in space you have a hydrogen gas cloud that is collapsing into a sphere under its own gravity. Pressure and heat rises due a decreased volume and gravity trap.

Let's say the gas cloud is not going to reach fission and won't become a sun, so it's a gas giant.

My question is under such pressure, heat is radiated back into space. According to conservation of energy something has to be lost from the gas giant. What is it?
 
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  • #2
The energy comes from the gravitational potential of the gas.

There is no energy created or destroyed.

Where's the conflict?
 
  • #3
Teegvin said:
The energy comes from the gravitational potential of the gas.

There is no energy created or destroyed.


So if the energy is coming from the gravitational potential energy, does than mean that over time the gravitational potential energy decreases? Since heat as friction is released into space as an electromagnetic wave? and mass is constant.
 
  • #4
Yes, the potential energy of the gas at the outside decreases.

When the cloud is spread out, the gas closer to the outside has more gravitational potential energy with respect to the centre than it does when it is dense. The change in potential energy in going from spread out to dense is equal to the work done in moving and compressing the gas.

Compression causes heating, so the gas heats up and radiates some of that heat into space as electromagnetic radiation, yes. :cool:
 
  • #5
Thanks, that summed it up.
 
  • #6
When it compresses and becomes as dense as its going to get, does it still radiate heat? Seems like the potential energy would run out - having all been converted to heat from the compression - when it hits that state.
 
  • #7
It will continue to radiate until it reaches equilibrium with whatever radiation is hitting it. After that it still loses energy, but it gains energy at the same rate.
 
  • #8
In other words, for it to 'spread out' again would require more energy, and often the energy that causes such an event is heat!
 

What is energy conservation of gas clouds?

Energy conservation of gas clouds refers to the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be converted from one form to another. In the case of gas clouds, this means that the total amount of energy within the cloud remains constant, but it can change forms through processes such as heating and cooling, compression and expansion, and radiation.

Why is energy conservation of gas clouds important?

Energy conservation of gas clouds is important because it helps us understand and predict the behavior of gas clouds in various environments. It also plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and other celestial bodies.

How does energy conservation apply to gas clouds in space?

In space, gas clouds are subject to various forms of energy, such as gravitational potential energy, thermal energy, and radiation. The conservation of energy principle states that the total energy of the gas cloud will remain constant, but the distribution and conversion of energy will change as the cloud undergoes different processes.

What are some real-life examples of energy conservation in gas clouds?

One example of energy conservation in gas clouds is in the formation of stars. As a gas cloud collapses under its own gravity, it releases potential energy which is converted into thermal energy, causing the cloud to heat up and eventually form a star. Another example is in the heating and cooling of gas clouds through processes such as shock waves or radiation from nearby stars.

How do scientists study energy conservation in gas clouds?

Scientists study energy conservation in gas clouds through observations and simulations. They use telescopes and other instruments to observe the behavior of gas clouds in space and gather data on their energy distribution and conversion. They also use computer simulations to model and study the effects of various processes on gas clouds and their energy conservation.

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