Question

What is a rock from space that strikes Earth's surface? A) asteroid C) meteorite B) meteoroid D) meteor

Short answer

The correct answer is C) meteorite.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terminology

Before solving the problem, it's important to understand the terms provided. An "asteroid" is a large rock in space, typically orbiting the sun. A "meteoroid" is a smaller rock or particle from an asteroid or comet orbiting the sun. A "meteor" is the light phenomenon that occurs when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up. Finally, a "meteorite" is a rock from space that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and strikes the Earth's surface.

Analyzing the Question

The question asks for a term that describes a "rock from space that strikes Earth's surface." This means we need to identify which of the terms describes an object that completes its journey and actually hits Earth's surface without being destroyed completely.

Identifying the Correct Answer

Based on the definitions, a "meteorite" is the term used for a space rock that makes it through the Earth's atmosphere and actually strikes the surface. Asteroids and meteoroids refer to rocks still in space or during atmospheric entry, while a meteor refers to the light streak created during atmospheric entry.

Confirming the Solution

Reviewing all definitions and logical deductions, the correct answer that fits the description "a rock from space that strikes Earth's surface" is a "meteorite." Other terms do not fully meet this criterion.

Key concepts

space rocks

Space rocks are fascinating celestial objects that travel through space. These rocks come in various sizes and forms, with different origins and compositions. They can be relatively small, the size of a pebble, or enormous like massive boulders. Here are a few key types of space rocks:

• Asteroids: Large rocky bodies primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
• Meteoroids: Smaller fragments typically derived from asteroids or comets that orbit the sun.
• Comets: Icy bodies that release gas and dust, forming a visible atmosphere or "coma" and sometimes a tail.

Space rocks play a significant role in our solar system's formation and evolution, offering clues about its past. When these objects approach Earth, they may become visible phenomena or even land on our planet, offering scientists valuable research materials.

atmosphere entry

Atmosphere entry is a spectacular event when space rocks pass into the Earth's atmosphere. It is a key phase that determines whether a space rock becomes a meteor, a meteorite, or simply disintegrates. When a meteoroid enters the atmosphere, it encounters high resistance:

• The friction heats up the meteoroid, causing it to glow brightly—an event we know as a meteor or "shooting star."
• The high-speed entry involves intense pressure and thermal forces on the space rock.
• If the meteoroid survives this fiery journey without burning up completely, it becomes a meteorite, impacting the Earth's surface.

Understanding the dynamics of atmosphere entry helps scientists study the Earth's protective shield and the preservation of meteorites in our collection of extraterrestrial materials.

asteroids

Asteroids are some of the largest and most well-known space rocks orbiting our sun. Typically found in the asteroid belt, these rocky bodies vary in size, with some being hundreds of kilometers in diameter. They consist primarily of rock and metal:

• Asteroids are remnants from the early solar system, providing insight into its formation.
• Most asteroids orbit between Mars and Jupiter, but some can travel closer to Earth.
• Their orbits are stable, but they can be altered by collisions or gravitational interactions.

Scientists explore asteroids through space missions to gather data about their composition, structure, and potentially hazardous pathways. As large repositories of resources, they also hold interest for future space exploration ventures.

meteoroid vs meteorite

Understanding the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite is key to grasping the lifecycle of space rocks. Let's break it down:

• Meteoroid: A small rock or particle traveling through space, often originating from asteroids or comets.
• Meteor: The light and heat produced when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere at high speed, temporarily becoming visible as it burns up.
• Meteorite: The remains of a meteoroid that successfully passes through the atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface.

In essence, the transition from meteoroid to meteorite involves surviving the fiery journey through our atmosphere. This distinction helps categorize and understand the various stages of these extraordinary space travelers.