Chapter 40, Problem 47A

To determine

The method by which the radioactive decay warms the earth from inside and nuclear fusion has always warms the Earth from outside.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The radioactive decay is the process of change in the nucleus of one radioactive material to another radioactive material. Nuclear fusion is the process in which the different light nuclei forms a new heavy nucleus.

The Earth warmed from inside by the energy released in the nuclear fission due to radioactive decay of radioactive material. The Earth warms from outside by the thermal energy from solar radiation. The origin of the solar radiation is the energy produces in nuclear fusion on the Sun.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Earth warms from inside by the energy released in nuclear fission in the radioactive decay and Earth warms from outside by the solar energy released in nuclear fusion on the Sun.