PV Gap

Micheal Said:

What is the magnitude of the net force keeping the sun moving on this path?

We Answered:

F = m w^2 R = 1.99*10^30*(1.1*10^-15)^2*2.3*9.5*10^19 =
= 5.26*10^20 N

Priscilla Said:

Is Particle Physics largely a crock like the geocentric solar system? wbabin.net/science/tombe7.pdf?

We Answered:

no, particle physics, while it may not perfect, is heading down the right track. the particles have been proven to exist. What you're thinking of is string theory. String theory is doing exactly what you're talking about, and is obviously flawed because everytime they add something to the equations to fix a place where it doesn't work, they break another part of it. particle physics good, string theory bad.

Billy Said:

If we covered 10% of the Earth with SOLAR CELLS would we create a 'Global Cooling'?

We Answered:

Interesting question...

You're energy analysis is a fairly accurate assessment - 20% converted to electricity and 80% lost as heat.

As for the global cooling, I'm not too sure.

At present the excessive burning of fossil fuels has been accumulating in the atmosphere which is trapping heat in and causing the global warming. Even if we start using only solar and other green energy sources and stop using combustion engines, fuel burning power plants, wood burning stoves, etc (which is difficult to imagine) it is going to take a long time to clean up the current "load." And, besides a single naturally occurring phenomena (like volcanic eruptions) could possibly double the current global warming gas concentrations from one single event.

However, if atmospheric gases and debris becomes to thick global warming could turn to global cooling because very little of the sun energy makes it through this layer and down to the earths surface.

Does that mean that there is no hope... maybe. It all depends on what happens over the next few years. If China goes down the US road to economic development, as other nations have started down, then we will see dramatic climate changes occurring within our lifetime. However, if "we" all go green, we may decrease or sustain the current rate of global climatic changes... either way, the planet will eventually exceed it's natural limitations.

If you're interested in natural sustain ability I recommend you read G. Hardins "Tragedy of the Commons" (http://dieoff.com/page95.htm). It's a good read and the basic ideas apply to all natural systems ... real life examples include: the mule deer population changes in Arizona, early 1900's; Easter Island; "global warming(?)"...