Earth has a generally fixed amount matter or energy –
this is known as the principle of conservation of mass-energy. In other words, matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This principle is based on the laws of physics and is a fundamental concept in understanding our universe.
According to the law of conservation of mass-energy, the total mass and energy in the Earth always remains constant. This means that, even though matter and energy can change from one form to another, the total amount of mass and energy in the Earth does not change.
For example, consider the process of burning a piece of wood. The wood undergoes a chemical reaction and is transformed into ash, smoke, and heat energy. Although the wood has changed form, the total amount of mass and energy in the system (the wood, ash, smoke, and heat) remains the same.
Similarly, the Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of sunlight. This energy is then used by plants for photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into chemical energy. Even though the energy has changed from sunlight to chemical energy, the total amount of energy in the Earth system is conserved.
It is important to note, however, that while the total amount of mass-energy in the Earth is fixed, the distribution and concentration of matter and energy can vary. For example, the Earth gains mass when it captures meteoroids or loses mass when it emits gases into space. Similarly, energy can be transferred between different regions of the Earth, leading to variations in temperature, climate, and weather patterns.
In conclusion, the Earth has a fixed amount of matter-energy, which is conserved according to the principle of conservation of mass-energy. While the distribution and concentration of matter and energy can vary, the total amount remains constant.