Rotational Energy: Humanity's 10^13W Impact on Day Length

AI Thread Summary
Humanity's energy consumption is approximately 10^{13} W, prompting a discussion on its potential impact on Earth's rotation. The key question is how long it would take to increase the length of a day by one minute if this energy were extracted from Earth's rotation. Participants are encouraged to calculate the current rotational energy of Earth and determine the energy required for a one-minute increase in day length. The discussion emphasizes understanding the relationship between energy extraction and changes in rotational dynamics. This exploration highlights the significant scale of human energy use in relation to Earth's natural processes.
ingy489
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Homework Statement


Humanity uses energy at the rate of about 10^{13} \rm W.If we found a way to extract this energy from Earth's rotation, how long would it take before the length of the day increased by 1 minute?
Express your answer using one significant figure.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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ingy489 said:
Humanity uses energy at the rate of about 10^{13} \rm W.If we found a way to extract this energy from Earth's rotation, how long would it take before the length of the day increased by 1 minute?

Hi ingy489! :smile:

What is the rotational energy of the Earth now?

What would it be if the day was 1 minute longer? :smile:
 

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