What is the mass of the Earth, scientists have calculated more or less accurately: 6000h1018 tons.It is eighty-one point and eight to ten times greater than the mass of the Moon, three hundred and eighteen times less than the mass of Jupiter and about three hundred thirty-three thousand times smaller than the mass of the sun.
If the size of the Earth has been calculated even in ancient Greece (of course, with some inaccuracies, given the imperfection of the instrument at the time), then the mass of the situation was much more complicated.Even the great Newton, on the other scientists of his time advancing in the study of Earth's gravity, failed to determine what the mass of the Earth.It is seventy-one years after the death of the brilliant physicist and mathematician did his countryman Henry Cavendish.
He, like most scientists of that era (eighteenth century), was a "generalist."Among his research work not only in physics but also in pneumatic chemistry, as well as electricity.
Some experts in the field of history of science indicates that it would not be quite correct to attribute the definition of mass of the Earth is Cavendish.Allegedly, he was only to determine the average density of the planet.But knowing the density and shape of the body to determine its weight - a problem for the student of the fifth grade of secondary school.Apparently, the mass of the Earth numerically Cavendish is simply not interested.He set himself the task, and he achieved it, and the rest of it does not exist.This great scholar and a great eccentric became famous for his "kooky" during his lifetime.The latest fad was an order to bury him in the tomb, which is instructed to immediately tightly walled up, leaving it no signs indicating who is buried here.What was done exactly.Not even a single portrait of this unique man made from nature.
Of course, after the death of the Cavendish several times, as the improvement of instruments, clarify what the mass of the Earth.But pioneer Yet it was this rich Anglo-Norman nobleman.
What for us is interesting and important mass of the Earth?It is interconnected with a number of physical constants.It is counted in ballistics at start of spaceships and satellites, it is directly dependent on the first and second cosmic speed, the force of gravity, the acceleration of gravity (G).You name it!Of course, the accuracy of calculating the limit of what the mass of the Earth, no.As you create more and more sophisticated instruments will be adjusted figures.But as long as this clarification is not necessary: the modern level of development of science exist today tolerances are quite satisfactory.
certain Cavendish average density of the body of the planet is just over five and a half grams per cubic centimeter.The density of granite, practically the most abundant mineral - only two and seven-tenths grams per cubic centimeter.According to geologists, the Earth's core, compressed incredible pressure has a density of seventeen grams per cubic centimeter!
movement of the earth around its axis, combined with the uneven distribution of substances of different densities that make up our planet, is one of the factors causing earthquakes.
