if it is so hot here on earth, why hasn't mercury melted or disintergrated or burned up or something?
2006-08-18 05:50:12 · 12 answers · asked by riggs 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
i agree
2006-08-18 10:41:35 · answer #1 · answered by bizarrorigo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. It is also the second smallest planet after Pluto. Mercury is less than a half of the diameter of the Earth and is a little bigger than the moon, its diameter is 3,031 meters. Since Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, the temperature on the surface of Mercury is very high. The temperature of the surface of Mercury changes from day to night. Before the sunrise the temperature on the surface of Mercury is as low as 100 K (-170 °C) and by noon the temperature on the surface of Mercury rises to about 700 K (400 °C). The change in temperature on the surface of Mercury is due to its rotation and lack of atmosphere. During the day the temperature is so high that it could melt some metals and during the night the temperature drops well bellow freezing. Due to the extremely high temperatures and solar radiation on the surface of mercury during the day, the surface of the planet is dry and barren.
2006-08-18 10:22:27 · answer #2 · answered by atiq 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Though so close, the heat of the sun is only enough to melt lead. I have read that since Mercury rotates with only one side always facing the sun, there is actually a narrow zone between light and dark that is like the temperature on earth. Rather fascinating, I thought. Maybe, one day, we can settle in that area when earth is over crowded. It would be safer than on Venus.
2006-08-18 06:00:46 · answer #3 · answered by jimmaresa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mercury doesn't just take in the heat of the Sun -- it gives off heat as well. When a planet reaches "equilibrium," a state of balance where it gives off as much heat as it takes in, it stops getting hotter. This temperature is different for different planets, depending on atmosphere, spin rate, distance from the Sun, etc. Mercury won't melt because, as long as all other things remain the same, it won't get any hotter.
Hope that helps!
JIM
2006-08-18 06:53:36 · answer #4 · answered by jamiekyrin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As Mercury rotates, the side facing the sun reaches temperatures of 660 F.
The side facing away from the sun can go down to a chilling -270 F. This gives time for the rock to cool down. Mercury has a poor atmosphere that lets heat enter and escape easily.
2006-08-18 06:03:54 · answer #5 · answered by scuderia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mercury's atmosphere, if it ever had one, has in fact burned off. It is quite possible that Mercury once had outer layers that did burn into gases that escaped due to Mercury's small mass. At the present time, the remaining material of Mercury is stable at the planet's temperature.
2006-08-18 05:58:56 · answer #6 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it is because mercury's temperature is only 600 degrees in the day and below -100 at night, and 600 is barely enough to melt solid rock.
2006-08-18 05:59:09 · answer #7 · answered by adamizer 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The sun only plays a part in the earth's heat. Gases in our atmosphere trap the heat that does come in. Think of Venus.
2006-08-18 06:00:45 · answer #8 · answered by johngrobmyer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mercury the planet is mostly barren rock, and extremely hot on the solar side.
2006-08-18 06:01:09 · answer #9 · answered by helixburger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hm.... I am afraid you need to read up on some planet stuff. Surface temperature depends on distance from the sun, atmosphere, rate of rotation, etc, etc
2006-08-18 05:59:29 · answer #10 · answered by andyoptic 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The surface of the sun is about 6000ºC on the surface. The core is hotter.
2006-08-18 06:38:46 · answer #11 · answered by hyperhealer3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋