Question

Why is earths core so hot?

Answer 1

The Earth's core is hot due to nuclear reactions like alpha, beta, and gamma decays. Heat is produced from these reactions, but it cannot easily escape, resulting in the high temperature. The core is mainly composed of molten iron and other elements, which are compressed to a high density.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Earth's core is so hot because of nuclear reactions, specifically alpha, beta, and gamma decays. These reactions, which involve elements such as uranium (238U) and potassium (40K), produce a small amount of heat energy per second per cubic meter. However, this energy cannot easily escape, resulting in the core retaining its high temperature.

Additionally, the heat in the core is transferred to the Earth's surface and away from it through processes such as convection, conduction, and radiation. The Earth's core consists mainly of molten iron with smaller amounts of nickel and sulfur, all compressed to a high density.

Answer 2

The primary contributors to heat in the core are the decay of radioactive elements, leftover heat from planetary formation, and heat released as the liquid outer core solidifies near its boundary with the inner core.