Gravitational Effects on Age of Earth's Core

In summary, the Wikipedia page on gravitational time dilation states that Earth's core is 2.5 years younger than its surface in terms of Earth's age in billions of years. This is due to the fact that a clock subjected to less acceleration runs faster, but gravitational time dilation depends on the gravitational potential, not on acceleration. This common confusion was addressed in a forum post where it was suggested to search for answers before asking basic science questions. The conversation ended with an awkward exchange.
  • #1
Freonpsandoz
3
1
The Wikipedia page on gravitational time dilation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_time_dilation) states:

"Relative to Earth's age in billions of years, Earth's core is effectively 2.5 years younger than its surface."

A clock subjected to less acceleration (gravitational or otherwise) runs faster, doesn't it? Isn't gravitational acceleration zero at the center of the earth? Shouldn't that make the center of the Earth older?
 
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  • #2
Freonpsandoz said:
A clock subjected to less acceleration (gravitational or otherwise) runs faster, doesn't it?
No. Gravitational time dilation depends on the gravitational potential, not on acceleration.
 
  • #3
Freonpsandoz said:
A clock subjected to less acceleration (gravitational or otherwise) runs faster, doesn't it? Isn't gravitational acceleration zero at the center of the earth? Shouldn't that make the center of the Earth older?

Your confusion is a common one:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/flat-spacetime-in-a-gravity-well.943566/#post-5970060

EDIT: by the way, this points to something you should think about. Very often it's sufficient to get an answer to such questions by just doing a forum search. You may at some point ask a question that has not been asked here before but if it's a question about basic science, that is VERY unlikely.
 
  • #4
phinds said:
Your confusion is a common one:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/flat-spacetime-in-a-gravity-well.943566/#post-5970060

EDIT: by the way, this points to something you should think about. Very often it's sufficient to get an answer to such questions by just doing a forum search. You may at some point ask a question that has not been asked here before but if it's a question about basic science, that is VERY unlikely.
Sorry. Won't bother you guys again.
 
  • #5
Freonpsandoz said:
Sorry. Won't bother you guys again.
That's an odd way to say thank you...
 
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1. How does gravitational pull affect the age of Earth's core?

The gravitational pull of the Earth's outer layers can cause the core to compress, which results in heating and melting of the core. This can lead to changes in the composition and density of the core, which can affect its age.

2. Can the age of Earth's core be determined through gravitational effects?

While gravitational effects play a role in the evolution of the Earth's core, they are not the only factor in determining its age. Other factors such as radioactive decay and chemical processes also contribute to the core's age.

3. How do scientists study the gravitational effects on the age of Earth's core?

Scientists use a variety of methods to study the gravitational effects on the Earth's core, including seismic waves, magnetic field measurements, and computer simulations. By combining these different techniques, they can gain a better understanding of the core's age and composition.

4. What impact do gravitational effects have on the Earth's overall structure?

The gravitational effects on the Earth's core can have a significant impact on the planet's overall structure. The heating and melting of the core can create convection currents that drive plate tectonics and influence the formation of mountains and other geological features.

5. How has our understanding of the gravitational effects on Earth's core changed over time?

As technology and scientific methods have advanced, our understanding of the gravitational effects on Earth's core has also evolved. Early theories about the core's age and composition have been refined and updated, and new discoveries continue to expand our knowledge of this complex system.

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