what generates the heat to melt the rocks in the earth core?

Answer 1

Radioactive decay of heavy metals, which formed the core by gravitating to the centre.

Lord Kelvin, the best physicist of his time, calculated in the 1880's that an original hot molten Earth would cool down to its present temperature in about 20 million years. This was not nearly long enough for the geologists to explain all the layers of rock which had been laid down one after the other, so there was a big problem for 20 or 30 years until they had radioactivity figured out to explain the continued heat.

Answer 2

Dear Ali K: I can't say I actually know. But I would like to "figure it out" to a degree, and see if I came close:

1. I do know the Universe was caused by an explosion. Heat and gases formed the planets - the sun included.

2. Planets would not be habitable until they had cooled to some degree. This planet is habitable.

3. At it's core, some of the heat of the original Big Bang may still exist, in Earth. I believe the central furnace we have at the core is probably largely due to the original heat of the explosion.

4. Further, I believe the heat of the Sun, combined with an assortment of radiations in the atmosphere such as Mircrowaves, ultraviolet, Gamma rays, etc., are absorbed into our Terra Firma (ground) and permeate the layers of earth deep into its core. This keeps the original "fires" from the Big Bang that remain, added to and stoked .

5. Lastly, it seems to me that the gases contained within the Big Bang and which helped to make up the Universe, would be contained to some degree WITHIN the planets. Gases are heavy and hold elements within itself. Heat will last longer in a room that contains gases (like the Green House effects). Therefore, I perceive that gases in the center of the earth would HELP maintain the radiations and heat from the Sun, as well as the original heat from Earth's inception - the Big Bang.

The Universe is equipped, as stated above, to heat and maintain some level or degree of heat needed - to sustain the life of a planet for some period of time, as well as provide for the life found upon it.

P.S. Since I have no college degrees and did not have the benefit of the chemistry, science, biology, earth sciences, physics, or geology classes that many of you have had, I have to deduce these things from my logic, or reasoning. If you would be kind enough to make a comment under your question as to whether or not you think I have come, at least, close to the proper answer - I would be so thrilled to know. Thank you.

Best regards, Lana

Answer 3

4 billion years ago, the whole Earth was a giant ball of molten rock. It has cooled down on the outside since then, but the core is still molten from those times

Answer 4

the movement of the earth and weight of the earth .

Answer 5

Elves.

Answer 6

meat