Question

The current theory of the structure of the Earth, called plate tectonics, tells us that the continents are in constant motion.

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) m = 1.6 x 10²¹ kg

(b) K.E = 2.536 x 10¹¹ J

(c) v = 7.12 x 10⁵ m/s

Explanation:

(a)

First we find the volume of the continent:

V = L*W*H

where,

V = Volume  of Slab = ?

L = Length of Slab = 4450 km = 4.45 x 10⁶ m

W = Width of Slab = 4450 km = 4.45 x 10⁶ m

H = Height of Slab = 31 km = 3.1 x 10⁴ m

Therefore,

V = (4.45 x 10⁶ m)(4.45 x 10⁶ m)(3.1 x 10⁴ m)

V = 6.138 x 10¹⁷ m³

Now, we find the mass:

m = density*V

m = (2620 kg/m³)(6.138 x 10¹⁷ m³)

m = 1.6 x 10²¹ kg

(b)

The kinetic energy will be:

K.E = (1/2)mv²

where,

v = speed = (1 cm/year)(0.01 m/1 cm)(1 year/365 days)(1 day/24 h)(1 h/3600 s)

v = 3.17 x 10⁻¹⁰ m/s

Therefore,

K.E = (1/2)(1.6 x 10²¹ kg)(3.17 x 10⁻¹⁰ m/s)²

K.E = 2.536 x 10¹¹ J

(c)

For the same kinetic energy but mass = 77 kg:

K.E = (1/2)mv²

2.536 x 10¹¹ J = (1/2)(77 kg)v²

v = √(2)(2.536 x 10¹¹ J)

v = 7.12 x 10⁵ m/s