Question

Does the earth's mass increase? Even in insignificant quantities?

Asked by: Jorge Luis Mendez

 Answer

The Earth gains mass each day as a result of incoming debris from space. You may have even seen evidence of this activity in the form of a 'falling star', or meteor, on a dark night.

While the actual amount of added material depends on which study you look at, an estimated 10 to the 8th power kilograms of in-falling matter accumulates every day. That seemingly large amount, however, IS insignificant compared to the Earth's total mass of almost 10 to the 25th power kilograms.

In other words, Earth adds an estimated one quadrillionth of one percent to its weight each day. I don't know of any counteracting mass LOSS mechanism of any consequence.

Answered by: Paul Walorski, B.A. Physics, Part-time Physics Instructor

Search

Loading



Sponsors

USC University of Southern California Dornsife College Physics and Astronomy Department McMaster University Physics and Astronomy Department

Science Quote

'If one wishes to obtain a definite answer from Nature one must attack the question from a more general and less selfish point of view.'

Max Planck
(1858-1947)

Deal of the Day

Image of Erector 10 Model Set. Click on this image for more info. Erector 10 Model Set
Regular Price: $39.99
Today's Price: $21.00
Great Erector starter set that allows you to build 10 cool models. Buy it now! Deal ends at midnight!

Top Selling

Here are our physics & astronomy bestsellers:
Solar Science Kit
Mini Plasma Ball
Deluxe 3D Mirascope
Revolving Multi-Color Fiberoptic Light
Deluxe Water Rocket Set
Magnetic Levitator - Classic
Solar System Planetarium 4M Kit
Ultimate Chemistry Set CHEM C3000 v2.0
Worlds Strongest Magnets
Blue Fiber Optic Light