Friction and nuclear decay of the heavierOriginally posted by alchemist
why is the core of our Earth so hot?
what causes it to be so?
In stars there's nuclear fusion of elements inOriginally posted by alchemist
and why some other stars and planets like neptune/uranus (i forgot) does no have such a hot core? and what purpose does the molten core of our Earth serve?
And don't forget pressure.Friction and nuclear decay of the heavier elements
Originally posted by alchemist
why is the core of our Earth so hot? what causes it to be so? and why some other stars and planets like neptune/uranus (i forgot) does no have such a hot core? and what purpose does the molten core of our Earth serve?
Also, radioactive elements tend to be of higher atomic number, more common with terrestrial planets.quote:
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Originally posted by alchemist
why is the core of our Earth so hot? what causes it to be so? and why some other stars and planets like neptune/uranus (i forgot) does no have such a hot core? and what purpose does the molten core of our Earth serve?
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Initally, the heat came from the energy of the material as it condensed to form the Earth. Additional heat is added by the radioactive elements as already mentioned. As the Surface of the Earth cooled, and the Crust formed, the molten interior was surrounded by a natural insulator. This insulation, in the form of solid rock, traps the heat inside pretty effectively.
The gas giants don't have a solid surface, and as such, can lose heat faster.
Friction and nuclear decay of the heavier
Originally posted by alchemist
and what purpose does the molten core of our Earth serve?
The heat in the core of our earth is primarily caused by two things: the leftover heat from the formation of our planet and radioactive decay of elements. When the earth was first formed, the particles that came together to create it released a lot of energy, which contributed to the heat in the core. Additionally, elements like uranium and potassium continue to decay over time, releasing heat as a byproduct.
The core of our earth is estimated to have a temperature of about 5,400 degrees Celsius (9,800 degrees Fahrenheit). This is much hotter than the surface of the sun!
The core of our earth doesn't cool down because of the constant heat production from radioactive decay. Additionally, the high pressure in the core of the earth helps to trap the heat, preventing it from escaping and allowing it to build up over time.
Scientists use a variety of methods to study the core of our earth, including seismic waves, magnetic fields, and computer simulations. These methods provide evidence of the high temperatures in the core and help us understand its composition and behavior.
It is highly unlikely that the core of our earth will ever cool down completely. As long as there is radioactive decay and high pressure in the core, there will continue to be heat production and retention. However, the core may cool down slightly over millions of years as the rate of radioactive decay decreases and the heat dissipates into space.