This physics question has bugged me since I was around 15 years old.
The sun is constantly giving us energy. Admittedly, a lot of it is being emitted back. But some of it stays on Earth. Does this energy contribute to increase Earth’s mass since E=mC(squared)?
If yes, then I have another question. Once space travel becomes common, will this result in earth losing some of its mass in the form of fuel and rocket parts and travellers on board?
Will these changes in mass result in change in temperature and gravity etc due to change in size of the planet’s core?
In: Physics
We do gain some mass from falling meteorites, but we lose more as helium and hydrogen escape from our atmosphere into space. (net loss of 55k tons per year).
The difference between sunlight absorption and re-emission should be negligible. In fact we’re losing more energy than we’re gaining that way just because of all the heat still trapped deep underground that’s slowly escaping.
As for making a difference to the overall mass or gravity, not a meaningful one. Maybe if something large hits the planet, otherwise you’ll have to get into the seventh or so digit of Earth’s mass to see a difference after billions of years.
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