Question

The total volume of the Pacific Ocean is estimated to be 7.2 × 10⁸ km³. A medium-sized atomic bomb produces 1.0 × 10¹⁵ J of energy upon explosion. Calculate the number of atomic bombs needed to release enough energy to raise the temperature of the water in the Pacific Ocean by 1°C.

Answer 1

1km^3 = 1*10^15 cm^3

mass o f water = volume * density

                       = 7.2*10^8*10^15*1 gr/cm^3

                      = 7.2*10^23 grams

energy needed to raise 1⁰c = mass * specific heat capacity * change in temperature

                                        = 7.2*10^23 g * 4.184 J/⁰C g * 1⁰c

                                       = 30.12*10^23 joules

1 atom bomb releases -------------------------------------------1.0*10^15 joules

? atom bombs releases-----------------------------------------------30.12*10^23 joules

                         = 30.12*10^23/1.0*10^15

                        = 3012000000 atom bombs