Global warming refers to the rise in average global temperature due to the incre

Question

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 heat capacity of seawater is the same as that of water.
Earth's oceans moderate temperatures by absorbing heat during warm periods.

Express your answer using two significant figures

Explanation / Answer

volume of Earth's oceans is = 137×10^7 km3

                                             = 137×10^7 x 10^15

                                            = 1.37 x 10^24 cm3

mass of Earth's oceans = 1.37 x 10^24 x 1.03

                                     = 1.41 x 10^24 g

Q = m Cp dT

   = 1.41 x 10^24 x 4.184 x 1

   = 5.90 x 10^24 J

heat required = 5.9 x 10^24 J

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