what is sourcea Earth's internal heat
Answer (1)
The sources of Earth's internal heat come from both primordial and ongoing processes. 1. Primordial HeatThis is the leftover heat from the Earth's formation about 4.5 billion years ago.When the Earth formed from collisions of dust and rocks (accretion), a huge amount of energy was released as heat.Some of that heat is still trapped inside the Earth today. 2. Radioactive DecayThe main current source of Earth’s internal heat.Naturally occurring radioactive elements in Earth’s mantle and crust (like uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40) break down over time and release heat energy.This is called radiogenic heat.3. Gravitational DifferentiationDuring Earth's early formation, heavier elements (like iron) sank toward the core, releasing gravitational potential energy as heat.Most of this happened early on, but it contributed to Earth's initial heat. 4. Tidal Heating (minor source)The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun creates friction inside Earth, especially in the mantle.This friction generates a small amount of heat, but it’s a minor contributor compared to radioactive decay.
