The diameter of a crater D produced by the impact of a meteorid on a planetary s

Question

The diameter of a crater D produced by the impact of a meteorid on a planetary surface is proportional to the Kinetic Energy by D=k*E^0.28 where k=2x10^-7 km/ergs^0.28

Consider a 500m diameter stony (p=3 g/cm^3) meteroide that impacts the moon at a speed 20 km/s

1.) Determine the diameter of the resulting crater.

2.) Characterize the apperance of the resulting crater (ie. simple bowl, central peak, complex, etc.)

3.) Suppose a meteriod of similar composition and size were to strike Murcury instead of the Moon. How would the resulting crater and ejecta blanket change?

Explanation / Answer

1)

p=3 g/cm^3 = 3000kg/m^3

mass of meteoriye = 3.14*4*250*250*250*3*10^3/3 = 6.6*10^10 kg

KE = 0.5*6.6*10^10*20*20*10^6 = 1.32*10^19 J = 1.32*10^17 ergs

Diameter = 2*10^-7*(1.32*10^17 )^0.28 = 12.44 m

2)

The resultig crater will be simple bowl shaped because the meteorite was sphericl in shape.

3)

In that case the crater would be of complex structure.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.