2007-01-29 13:15:04 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
There are many reasons the earth has such a nicely round shape, and all of them are related to gravity. Though, as stated before, it is not perfectly spherical since it bulges at the equator and is slightly flatter at the poles due to its rotation.
The main reason it is round is because it was a molten body when it formed. If it were simply a conglomeration of the many small solids that crashed together to form the planet it would be lumpy and full of holes, and not nearly as well defined (think of a cluster of asteroids held together by gravity, but not smashed together into a single body). Since the earth was molten, the body of the earth was pulled equally towards the center giving it a nice round shape.
2007-01-29 16:41:22 · answer #1 · answered by brooks b 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it is not round. It is an oblate spheroid. A little flattened at the top.
Think about it. If I spin you around very fast all your limbs will be flailing like hell and if it is fast enough all the jutting out membranes will be removed, leaving a core of a ball. Earth is a rotating satellite of the sun, the round shape is the best shape for spinning - conservation of energy and stability.
2007-01-29 13:38:18 · answer #2 · answered by Aldo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physics. Spheres and ovoid shapes are the most efficient forms in space. Same way other debris form that shape - like dust balls under furniture.
2007-01-29 13:21:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity pulled all the material equally towards the center.
2007-01-29 13:23:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not round-oblate speroid - larger in the middle
2007-01-29 17:34:56 · answer #5 · answered by towanda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋