**7**: The largest nuclear device ever detonated was a 58-megaton bomb tested by the Soviet Union in 1961. It released 2.4 x 1014 kJ of energy. How does this compare to the heat energy released by Hurricane Isabel over its lifespan? Show your calculations and then interpret the results in your own words.

To compare the energy released by the 58-megaton bomb to the heat energy released by Hurricane Isabel over its lifespan, we need to first convert both energy quantities into the same units, such as joules (J), and then compare the two.

### Step 1: Energy Released by the Nuclear Bomb
We are given that the nuclear bomb released \(2.4 \times 10^{14}\) kilojoules (kJ) of energy. To convert this to joules (J), we use the conversion factor:

\[
1 \, \text{kJ} = 1,000 \, \text{J}
\]

Thus, the energy released by the bomb in joules is:

\[
2.4 \times 10^{14} \, \text{kJ} \times 1,000 = 2.4 \times 10^{17} \, \text{J}
\]

### Step 2: Energy Released by Hurricane Isabel
The heat energy released by a hurricane over its lifespan is immense. According to estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average hurricane releases about **5.2 × 10^19 J** per day as heat energy.

Hurricane Isabel lasted approximately 8 days. So, the total heat energy released by Hurricane Isabel over its lifespan is:

\[
5.2 \times 10^{19} \, \text{J/day} \times 8 \, \text{days} = 4.16 \times 10^{20} \, \text{J}
\]

### Step 3: Compare the Two Energy Quantities
Now, let's compare the energy released by the bomb with the energy released by Hurricane Isabel:

- Energy released by the bomb: \(2.4 \times 10^{17} \, \text{J}\)
- Energy released by Hurricane Isabel: \(4.16 \times 10^{20} \, \text{J}\)

To compare, we divide the energy released by Hurricane Isabel by the energy released by the bomb:

\[
\frac{4.16 \times 10^{20}}{2.4 \times 10^{17}} \approx 1,733
\]

### Step 4: Interpretation
Hurricane Isabel released approximately **1,733 times more heat energy** over its lifespan than the largest nuclear bomb ever detonated. This shows the immense scale of energy involved in natural events like hurricanes compared to even the most powerful human-made explosions.

---

Would you like further details or have any questions about this comparison?

Here are five questions that expand on this topic:
1. How do hurricanes generate such vast amounts of heat energy?
2. What factors determine the energy release of a nuclear bomb?
3. How is the energy release of hurricanes measured or estimated?
4. How do other natural disasters, like earthquakes, compare in energy release to hurricanes and nuclear bombs?
5. What are the potential environmental impacts of large-scale nuclear detonations?

**Tip:** When comparing energy sources, always ensure that units are consistent to avoid misinterpretation of magnitudes.

The largest nuclear device ever detonated was a 58-megaton bomb tested by the Soviet Union in 1961. It released 2.4 x 10^14 kJ of energy. How does this compare to the heat energy released by Hurricane Isabel over its lifespan? Show your calculations and then interpret the results in your own words.

Compare the energy released by the largest nuclear bomb, a 58-megaton test in 1961, with the heat energy of Hurricane Isabel. Using energy conversion and scientific notation, we calculate that the hurricane released approximately 1,733 times more energy. Suitable for high school students studying energy and natural phenomena.

Math Problem Statement

Solution

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formulas

Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Related Recommendation