Question

Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary word or words. A meteoroid that burns up in Earth's atmosphere is called \(a(n)\)__________.

Short answer

A meteoroid that burns up in Earth's atmosphere is called a 'meteor'.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Keywords

The term 'meteoroid' refers to a small rock or particle that travels through space. When this object enters the Earth's atmosphere, it is subject to intense friction and often burns up.

Identifying the Phenomenon

As the meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns due to friction, it creates a bright streak of light in the sky, commonly referred to by a specific term in astronomy.

Applying Vocabulary

In astronomy, a meteoroid that burns up in Earth's atmosphere is called a 'meteor'. This is the correct vocabulary word that completes the sentence.

Key concepts

Meteoroid

A meteoroid is essentially a small rock or particle that floats through the vast expanse of space. These objects can range in size from tiny grains of sand to large chunks of rock. Think of them as the building blocks of planets, consisting primarily of rocky material and metal.

While most meteoroids are remnants from the formation of the solar system, they often originate from asteroids or comets. Their journey through space remains largely unnoticed until they enter a planet's atmosphere, like that of the Earth, leading to fascinating cosmic events.

Earth's Atmosphere

The Earth's atmosphere is a protective blanket of gases surrounding our planet. It is crucial for sustaining life by providing oxygen, protecting us from harmful solar radiation, and regulating temperature.

When a meteoroid encounters the Earth's atmosphere, it impacts this layer, which extends over 100 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The atmosphere acts as a shield, causing most meteoroids to burn up before they can hit the ground. This protective effect is due to the properties and composition of the gases within the atmosphere, including nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, among others.

Friction

As a meteoroid plummets into the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences intense friction. This friction results from the rapid compression and collision with air molecules.

Friction generates enormous amounts of heat, often causing the meteoroid to vaporize and emit a glowing light. This process is exceedingly rapid, and the intense thermal energy can make the meteoroid's surface temperature reach thousands of degrees Celsius in a matter of seconds.

• Friction is a resistive force that opposes motion between two surfaces.
• It is responsible for the transformation of kinetic energy into heat.
• Friction in the atmosphere leads to the visible luminescence of meteors.

Streak of Light

When the friction caused by passing through the Earth's atmosphere heats a meteoroid, it results in a stunning visual effect known as a meteor, or a shooting star. This is the 'streak of light' that we often see overhead on clear nights.

A meteor's brightness and longevity depend on its size, speed, and composition. Smaller meteoroids may produce brief, dim streaks, while larger ones can create bright, glowing trails in the sky. This phenomenon is a natural light show that has fascinated humans for centuries.