Global warming refers to the rise in average global temperature due to the increased concentration of certain gases, called greenhouse gases, in our atmosphere. Earth's oceans, because of their high heat capacity, can absorb heat and therefore act to slow down global warming. How much heat would be required to warm Earth's oceans by 1.0 ∘C? Assume that the volume of Earth's oceans is 137*107km3 and that the density of seawater is 1.03 g/cm3. Also assume that the specific heat capacity of seawater is the same as that of water.

5.89 x 10²⁴Joules

Explanation:

Given parameters:

Volume of earth's ocean = 137 x 10⁷ km³

Density of sea water = 1.03g/cm³

Specific heat capacity of water = 4.184J/g°C

Unknown:

Quantity of heat to warm earth's oceans by 1.0°C?

Solution:

Heat is thermal energy that moves from one body to another as a result of changes in temperature of such a body.

The expression for the quantity of heat is given as:

q = mcΔT

m is the mass, c is the specific heat capacity and ΔT is the temperature change

From the given parameters, mass m is unknown

To calculate the mass:

mass = density x volume

Convert the volume to cubic centimeter

1km³ = 1 x 10¹⁵cm³

137 x 10⁷km³ = 137 x 10²²cm³

mass of sea water = 1.03g/cm³ x 137 x 10²²cm³ = 141.11 x 10²²g

Therefore from:

q = mcΔT

q = 141.11 x 10²²g x 4.184J/g°C x 1°C = 5.9 x10²⁴joules