SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -Natural occurrence. Naturally occurring decay heat is a significant source of the heat in the interior of the Earth. Radioactive isotopes of uranium, thorium and potassium are the primary contributors to this decay heat, and this radioactive decay is the primary source of heat from which geothermal energy derives.

Detailed explanation-2: -The result of this decay is some form of radiation emerging from the atom, either as an electron (beta radiation), photon (gamma or X-ray, with gammas emerging from the nucleus of an atom and X-rays from the shells of electrons), or two neutrons and two protons bound together (an alpha particle).

Detailed explanation-3: -Radiogenic heat About 50% of the Earth’s internal heat originates from radioactive decay. Four radioactive isotopes are responsible for the majority of radiogenic heat because of their enrichment relative to other radioactive isotopes: uranium-238 (238U), uranium-235 (235U), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K).

Detailed explanation-4: -As the nucleus emits radiation or disintegrates, the radioactive atom (radionuclide) transforms to a different nuclide. This process is called radioactive decay.

Detailed explanation-5: -The flow of heat from Earth’s interior to the surface comes from two main sources in roughly equal amounts: the radiogenic heat produced by the radioactive decay of isotopes in the mantle and crust, and the primordial heat left over from the formation of Earth.

Detailed explanation-6: -Geothermal energy is the energy obtained from the earth(geo) from the hot rocks present inside the earth. It is produced due to the fission of radioactive materials in the earth’s core which results in intense heating .