Scale Factors: Is a 10x Bigger Earth Possible?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the hypothetical scenario of Earth being 10 times larger and its implications on life and physical systems. If Earth had a radius 10 times greater, it would possess a mass 1,000 times greater, resulting in significantly increased surface gravity. This change would render large lifeforms, including humans scaled to the same size, unable to move due to their increased mass and weight. Additionally, the heightened air pressure could lead to combustion of flammable materials, fundamentally altering the conditions for life as we know it.

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  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly gravity and mass.
  • Familiarity with concepts of planetary composition and atmospheric pressure.
  • Knowledge of biological adaptations to environmental changes.
  • Basic grasp of scaling laws in physics and biology.
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  • Research the effects of increased gravity on biological organisms.
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  • Investigate atmospheric science related to pressure changes and combustion.
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Scientists, physicists, and anyone interested in theoretical astrophysics, planetary science, and the implications of size scaling on life and ecosystems.

Gondur
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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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You seem to be comparing evetything in new scenerio with present scenerio.So the idea may not remain meaningful.
 
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”.
 
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%.
 

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