We are going to further assume that this is the size of the meteor as it strikes

Question

We are going to further assume that this is the size of the meteor as it strikes the ground. Whatever size it was before some of it burned up in the atmosphere, 300 m of it make it to the planet’s surface. We’ll also make a few other approximations as we go along. Note that these computations will require the (correct) use of scientific notation as the numbers will get rather big. You’ll need access to a scientific calculator that can do scientific notation and non-integer powers of numbers. (Windows-equipped computers have desktop calculators adequate to do these calculations if you don’t own a scientific calculator.)

Assuming this object (diameter=300 m) to be approximately spherical, what is the volume of this meteor? Remember that the volume, V, of a sphere is 4/3 r3, where r is the radius. Remember that the radius of a sphere is half of its diameter. Show your work and your answer clearly, including the correct units of measure.

Calculate the mass, m, of this meteor. An appropriate density for an asteroid is 2400 kg/m3.And density is defined by mass/volume (that is, mass divided by volume). Knowing these two things and usingthe volume you just calculated, find the mass of our meteor in kg. Show your work and youranswer clearly, including the correct units of measure.

Explanation / Answer

Diameter, d = 300m

Radius, r = 300/2 = 150m

Volume of spherical meteor = 4/3 r^3 = (4/3)* (150)^3 = 14137166.9412 meter^3 = 1.413x10^7 meter^3

Density D = mass/volume = 2400kg/m^3

Mass, m = D*Volume = 2400*1.413*10^7 = 3.39x10^10 Kg

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