Scale Factors: Is a 10x Bigger Earth Possible?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of Earth being 10 times bigger and how it would affect everything on the planet. The speaker questions if humans would also be 10 times bigger in this scenario and compares it to stretching an image in Photoshop. The responder points out that the idea may not be meaningful since it is difficult to measure and that with a 10 times larger radius, the Earth would be 1000 times more massive and life would look very different.
  • #1
Gondur
25
0
Hello,
Not really sure where this belongs (more sci fi)
But, suppose the Earth were 10 times bigger.
Would it be possible for everything on Earth to scale with this increase - Earth systems, land masses, trees etc (but also remain unchanged to us (except everything everything would be bigger).
So, would we also be 10 times bigger?
Literally, imagine stretching an image in photoshop or something - everything looks normal, except when you place it next to something else for reference, it looks huge (like fractal rocks)
Would something like this be possible in our universe?
 
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  • #2
You seem to be comparing evetything in new scenerio with present scenerio.So the idea may not remain meaningful.
 
  • #3
Gondur said:
suppose the Earth were 10 times bigger.
I am not certain what you mean here. What experiment could you perform that would measure this effect you are thinking of? I am trying to understand what you physically mean by “10 times bigger”.
 
  • #4
10 times more massive? Or 10 times larger radius? If the latter, then the Earth would be 1000 times more massive, given the same composition. But, the composition will actually change, due to the greatly increased pressures. Life might not be possible, but if it were, it would not look anything like us. With 10 times the radius, the surface gravity would be about 10 times greater, making it very difficult for large lifeforms to exist. If you were also 10 times as tall, you'd be 1000 times as massive, and weigh 10000 times as much. You couldn't move under your own weight. The air pressure would be much higher, possibly causing combustion of flammable materials if the oxygen concentration is at 20%.
 

1. Can Earth actually become 10 times bigger?

Currently, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Earth can increase its size by a factor of 10. The planet's size is determined by its mass and the force of gravity, and any significant increase in either of these factors would have catastrophic consequences for life on Earth.

2. What would happen to the Earth's atmosphere and climate if it were 10 times larger?

If Earth were to suddenly become 10 times larger, its atmosphere would also increase in size. This would result in a significant increase in air pressure, making it difficult for humans and other animals to breathe. The climate would also be drastically affected, with extreme temperature changes and unpredictable weather patterns.

3. Could humans survive on a 10x bigger Earth?

It is highly unlikely that humans could survive on a 10 times bigger Earth. The increased gravity and changes in atmospheric conditions would make it difficult for humans to adapt and thrive. Additionally, the Earth's resources would not be able to sustain a larger population, leading to food and water shortages.

4. Would a 10x bigger Earth have a longer day?

Yes, a larger Earth would have a longer day. This is because the planet's rotation is directly related to its size and mass. A 10 times bigger Earth would have a longer circumference, causing it to rotate slower and resulting in longer days.

5. How would a 10x bigger Earth affect the other planets in our solar system?

The gravitational pull of a larger Earth would have a major impact on the other planets in our solar system. It could potentially alter their orbits and cause disruptions in their environments. Additionally, the increase in Earth's size could also throw off the balance of the entire solar system, leading to unpredictable consequences.

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