Stellar Evolution and Its Relations to Geological TimeCroll, James
Science
Stellar Evolution and Its Relations to Geological Time
Croll, James
Cosmogony; Geological time; Stars -- Evolution
Take the case of the formation of our sun according to the theory.
Suppose two bodies, each one-half of the mass of the sun, moving
directly towards each other with a velocity of 476 miles per second.
These bodies would, in virtue of that velocity, possess 4149 × 10^{38}
foot-pounds of energy, which is equal to 100,000,000,000 foot-pounds per
pound of the mass; and this, converted into heat by the stoppage of
their motions, would suffice to maintain, as was previously stated, the
present rate of the sun’s radiation for a period of 50,000,000 years. It
must be borne in mind that, while 476 miles per second is the velocity
at the moment of collision, more than one-half of this would be derived
from the mutual attraction of the two bodies in their approach to each
other.
Coming in collision with such a velocity, the result would inevitably be
that the two bodies would shatter each other to pieces. But, although
their onward motions would thus be stopped, it is absolutely impossible
that the whole of the energy of their motions could be at once converted
into heat; and it is equally impossible that it could be annihilated.
Physical considerations enable us to trace, though in a rough and
general way, the results which would necessarily follow. The broken
fragments, now forming one confused mass, would rebound against one
another, breaking up into smaller fragments, and flying off in all
directions. As these fragments receded from the centre of dispersion
they would strike against each other, and, by their mutual impact,
become shivered into still smaller fragments, which would in turn be
broken up into fragments yet smaller, and so on as they proceeded
outwards. This is, however, only one part of the process, and a part
which would certainly take place, though no heat were generated by the
collisions.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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