Where does the heat come from?

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In summary, when two conductors with different Fermi levels are placed in contact, electrons flow from the conductor with the higher level to the one with the lower level. This is due to a difference in energy levels within the conduction band of the metals. The resulting current can create a temperature gradient, as the fast-moving electrons collide with the atoms of the conductor, causing them to vibrate and release heat.
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Mk
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When two conductors are placed in electric contact, electrons flow out of the one in which the electrons are less bound, into the one where the electrons are more bound.

The reason for this is a difference in the so-called Fermi level between the two conductors. The Fermi level represents the demarcation in energy within the conduction band of a metal, between the energy levels occupied by electrons and those that are unoccupied.

When two conductors with different Fermi levels make contact, electrons flow from the conductor with the higher level, until the change in electrostatic potential brings the two Fermi levels to the same value. (This electrostatic potential is called the contact potential.)

Current passing across the junction results in either a forward or reverse bias, resulting in a temperature gradient.
Where does the heat come from? The current going through results in heat how? The electrons moving give off heat as going to a lower energy?
 
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The fast moving electrons collide with the conductor's atoms which start to vibrate (heat).
 
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Thanks, that was a good explination.
 

1. Where does the heat on Earth come from?

The majority of the heat on Earth comes from the Sun. The Sun's energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface and then radiated back into the atmosphere, creating the Earth's overall temperature.

2. How is heat produced in the Earth's core?

The heat in the Earth's core is produced by a process called radioactive decay. This is the breakdown of radioactive elements in the Earth's core, which releases heat as a byproduct.

3. Does the Earth's internal heat contribute to global warming?

No, the Earth's internal heat does not contribute to global warming. The heat from the Earth's core is mostly contained within the Earth's interior and does not significantly affect the Earth's overall temperature.

4. Is geothermal energy a renewable source of heat?

Yes, geothermal energy is considered a renewable source of heat. The heat from the Earth's core can be harnessed and used for various purposes, such as heating homes and generating electricity, without depleting the Earth's internal heat.

5. How does heat transfer from the Earth's core to the surface?

The heat from the Earth's core is transferred to the surface through convection. This process involves the movement of hot materials, such as magma, from the Earth's core to the surface, carrying heat with it.

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