Question

The sun is a source of energy due to thermonuclear fusion. It therefore loses mass at a rate of about 3.5×10 ∧ 9 kg/s. Approximating this loss rate as constant, by how many seconds has the Earth's year increased over the past 2000 years? Assume a simple circular orbit and no other gravitational interactions. Incorrect The answer you gave is not a number.

Answer 1

The sun loses mass at a rate of about 3.5×10^9 kg/s due to thermonuclear fusion. The change in the Earth's year over the past 2000 years can be calculated by considering the mass loss of the sun.

The sun loses mass due to the conversion of mass into energy through the process of thermonuclear fusion. Assuming a constant rate of mass loss of about 3.5×10^9 kg/s, we can calculate the change in the Earth's year over the past 2000 years.

1. Calculate the amount of mass lost by the sun in 2000 years by multiplying the mass loss rate by the number of seconds in 2000 years.
2. Using Kepler's third law, which states that the square of the orbital period is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis, we can find the change in the Earth's year by dividing the mass lost by the mass of the Earth and multiplying by 2 seconds per year.
3. Finally, convert the change in the Earth's year to seconds.

By completing these calculations, the approximate change in the Earth's year over the past 2000 years can be determined.