A "super-Earth" has a radius 1.4 times larger than Earth but an identical composition.How rapidly would it lose its internal heat energy compared to Earth?
A) The super-Earth would cool two times slower.
B) The super-Earth would cool 1.4 times slower.
C) The super-Earth would cool 1.4 times faster.
D) The super-Earth would cool two times faster.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate at which a planet loses internal heat energy is directly proportional to its surface area, while the internal heat generated is proportional to the planet's volume. Since the super-Earth has a 1.4 times larger radius, its surface area is 1.4^2 times larger than Earth. However, its volume is only 1.4^3 times larger. Therefore, the super-Earth would lose heat energy 1.4 times slower than Earth.

A "Super-Earth" Has a Radius 1