Does the Earth Really Become Heavier with Humans, Trees, and Animals?

No, the Earth does not become heavier with the addition of humans, trees, and animals. However, it does gain and lose mass in various ways, with meteorites being the primary contributor.

How Living Things Gain Mass

Living things, including humans, trees, and animals, do not gain mass through magic. They gain it by rearranging matter that already exists on Earth. This matter comes from sources such as food and water, which are derived from the environment.

Mass Gain and Loss Through Meteors and Atmospheres

The Earth gains mass through meteorites and meteorite impacts. These space rocks can add a minuscule amount of weight to the planet. However, the Earth also loses mass due to hydrogen escaping into space. This is just one aspect of the Earth's mass dynamics.

The Zero Sum Game of Matter

In essence, the Earth is in a zero sum game when it comes to mass. The nutrients used by trees, animals, and humans come from materials that are already present on the Earth. When a person or animal consumes a plant, the matter is simply transferred and transformed, not created from new elements.

Continuous Mass Gain and Loss

Besides meteorites, the Earth can gain mass through astroid impacts, where particles can enter the atmosphere. Even if these impacts do not directly contribute to the mass of the Earth, the particles left behind after the impact can increase the planet's weight subtly. In contrast, the Earth loses mass through the loss of hydrogen into space, with other factors contributing to this mass loss.

The Role of Atmospheric Gases and Orbiting Satellites

As atmospheric gases escape into space, this also contributes to the small loss of mass. Additionally, orbiting satellites can slightly affect the Earth's mass, though the impact is minimal.

Recycling of Earth's Resources

Thankfully, the materials humans use, from food to clothing, are recycled from Earth's resources. This ensures that the overall weight of the Earth remains relatively stable despite the continuous influx and loss of matter.

Conclusion

The Earth is a dynamic system, always gaining and losing mass in various ways. While human activity does not significantly alter the planet's mass, meteorite impacts and atmospheric losses play crucial roles. Understanding these dynamics is essential for comprehending the complex interplay of the Earth's natural resources and environment.