A4_2 Vaporising Earth

Abstract

In this paper we explore the energies needed to completely vaporise the Earth. Taking into account the relative abundances of elements in the Earth and their latent heats of fusion and vaporisation, it is found that 6.41 x 1031J of energy (the equivalent of 7.82 x 1017kg of fissionable uranium) is needed to achieve this. It is found that this is not possible with modern day technologies, but may be possible in the future.