Kelvin's Theory on Solar Heat Dynamics

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Questions and Answers

What are the two primary theories proposed for the sun's heat generation?

Heat generated by nuclear fusion and heat generated by falling meteors.
Primitively created heat and heat generated by falling meteors. (correct)
Heat generated by tidal forces and heat generated by the sun's magnetic field.
Heat generated by the influx of meteoric matter and heat from the sun's gravitational pull.

What is the estimated amount of matter falling on the sun annually to maintain its heat?

1/47 of the earth's mass (correct)
1/100 of the sun's mass
1/15,000,000 of the sun's mass (correct)
1/5,000 of the sun's mass

What is the author's primary argument against the theory that the sun's heat is sustained by falling meteors?

The amount of matter required to provide the sun's heat for 3,000 years would lead to significant changes in the orbits of planets. (correct)
The sun's internal structure is incompatible with the theory of meteoric heating.
The sun's radiation is far too powerful to be explained by the influx of meteors.
There is insufficient evidence to support the claim that meteors are falling into the sun.

What astronomical phenomenon is being discussed in the text as a potential source of the matter falling into the sun?

Zodiacal light (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested timeframe for which the Zodiacal light could provide a supply of heat for the sun, according to the text?

30,000 years (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the author's stance on the role of meteors in providing the sun's heat?

The author believes meteors play a significant but not exclusive role in the sun's heat generation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How would the influx of meteoric matter impact the length of the year?

Decrease the length of the year due to the addition of mass to the sun. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author suggest looking for disturbances in the motions of visible planets?

To estimate the possible amount of matter in the Zodiacal Light. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the second great law of thermodynamics?

The universal tendency to dissipate mechanical energy, leading to heat diffusion, motion cessation, and potential energy exhaustion. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary argument against the possibility of a universal state of 'rest and death'?

It is impossible to conceive of a limit to the extent of matter in the universe, thus implying an endless progression of energy transformations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate time frame Kelvin suggests for the Sun's diameter to contract by one-tenth of a percent?

20,000 years (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of this article?

To demonstrate the scientific principles behind the sun's heat production and its implications for Earth. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Kelvin's calculations, what is the maximum possible value for the Sun's specific heat relative to water?

10,000 times (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author highlight as a key element in understanding the sun's energy?

The sun's ability to convert potential energy into motion and heat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated temperature of the Sun, as stated by Kelvin?

14,000° Cent. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor influencing the sun's energy output?

The gravitational force between the sun and the earth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the range Kelvin establishes for the Sun's cooling rate, in terms of how long it takes for its temperature to decrease by 100° Cent.?

700 to 700,000 years (D) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does the author draw regarding the sun's temperature?

The sun's temperature is currently unknown, and there is no evidence of its decreasing or increasing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum possible expansibility in volume of the Sun's mass, according to Kelvin's calculations?

1/4000 per 100° Cent. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What concept is emphasized by the author in describing the future condition of the earth?

The uncertain but potentially long-lasting influence of the sun's energy on Earth's future. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum value for the Sun's specific heat relative to water that Kelvin considers plausible, based on geological evidence?

10 times (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author approach the discussion of the sun's heat?

By sharing a scientific perspective on the matter, acknowledging limitations and uncertainties in current understanding. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Kelvin believe that the Sun's specific heat is likely to be less than 10,000 times that of water?

Because the Sun's expansibility in volume is unlikely to be more than 1/400 per 1° Cent. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of heat generation for the Sun that Kelvin discusses in this excerpt?

Gravitational contraction (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary conclusion drawn about the Sun's heat source?

The Sun's heat is primarily generated by a gradual cooling process. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary evidence used to argue against the meteoric influx theory?

The existence of comets passing near the Sun without experiencing significant resistance. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the data from Herschel and Pouillet?

It quantifies the amount of heat radiated by the Sun. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the passage regarding the Sun's composition?

The Sun's composition is similar to that of Earth. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about the rate of the Sun's cooling?

The Sun's cooling occurs at an extremely slow and difficult to measure rate. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of '$6 \times 10^{30}$' as used in the passage?

The total amount of heat energy released by the Sun per year. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Le Verrier's research mentioned in the passage?

It suggests the existence of smaller celestial bodies within Mercury's orbit. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a hypothesis presented in the passage regarding the Sun's heat source?

The Sun's heat is generated by the gravitational compression of its core. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most probable explanation for the sun's heat?

Meteoric theory (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why chemical action is insufficient to explain the sun's heat?

Chemical action is too slow to generate the sun's heat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key principle that underlies the meteoric theory of solar heat?

Gravity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is the relationship between the meteoric theory and the work of Joule?

Joule's work provided experimental support for the meteoric theory. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated amount of heat the sun could produce using the meteoric theory?

20,000,000 years' worth of heat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement that the sun's heat is generated by a cause that is known to exist from independent evidence?

It strengthens the credibility of the meteoric theory. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the excerpt?

To argue that gravity is the fundamental source of the sun's heat. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement that the meteoric theory involves bodies "falling together from a state of relative rest"?

It highlights that the process involves the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the issue with the assumption that the sun has always existed as an incandescent liquid?

It fails to explain the origin of the sun's heat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main proposed explanations for the origin of the sun's heat provided in the text?

Divine intervention and meteoric action. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason the author rejects the idea of complete meteoric compensation for the sun's heat loss?

It is contradicted by the observed length of the year. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest as a potential alternative to the idea of complete meteoric compensation?

The sun may have a more complex internal structure than previously understood. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by "the finiteness of the sun"?

The sun's limited size. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author refer to "certain actions going on before us at present"?

To demonstrate the possibility of a naturally occurring source of heat for the sun. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a hypothesis for the origin of the sun's heat?

The sun's heat is a result of continuous energy influx from external sources. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the text?

To present a critical analysis of various theories about the sun's heat. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Meteoric matter

Material from meteors that can generate heat in the sun's atmosphere.

Incandescent liquid mass

A hot, glowing state of matter that the sun may currently be in.

Heat compensation

The balance between heat generated and lost by radiation.

Zodiacal Light

A faint glow in the night sky potentially made up of dust and meteors, affecting solar heat estimates.