Chapter 15: Problem 10
What is the relationship between asteroids and meteorites?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Meteorites are fragments of asteroids that reach Earth's surface.
Step by step solution
01
Define Asteroids
Asteroids are small rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size and composition, but they are considered remnants from the early solar system that never coalesced into a planet.
02
Define Meteorites
Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal that survive their passage through Earth's atmosphere and land on the Earth's surface. They originate from larger bodies in space, such as asteroids or comets.
03
Understanding the Source
The majority of meteorites are pieces that break off from asteroids due to collisions or other events in space. These fragments travel through space, eventually entering the Earth's atmosphere.
04
Link Between Asteroids and Meteorites
The relationship between asteroids and meteorites is that meteorites are derived from asteroids. When an asteroid or a piece of an asteroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and doesn't completely burn up, it lands on Earth as a meteorite.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Solar System
The solar system is a fascinating and complex system that consists of the Sun and all the celestial bodies that orbit it. This includes planets, moons, comets, and of course, asteroids, which are crucial to our understanding of what composes much of our local cosmic neighborhood.
- The Sun is the central figure of the solar system, providing the gravitational force that keeps planets and other bodies in orbit.
- Eight planets orbit the Sun, each with unique characteristics and varying distances from the Sun.
- In addition to planets, the solar system contains belts of space debris, where asteroids are primarily found.
Asteroid Belt
The asteroid belt is a region of space abundant with rocky bodies, situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This is where the majority of the asteroids in our solar system are located.
- This region contains millions of asteroids, varying significantly in size—from small rocks to the dwarf planet Ceres.
- The belt exists as a result of Jupiter's gravitational influence, which prevented these space materials from coalescing into a full-sized planet.
- Asteroids in the belt are composed mainly of metal and rock and are considered to be leftover building materials from the formation of the solar system.
Space Collisions
Space is a dynamic environment where interactions between celestial bodies are common. These interactions often lead to collisions that can have significant implications for the objects involved and, potentially, for life on Earth.
- Collisions between asteroids in the asteroid belt can occur, causing pieces to break off and create meteorites.
- When these fragments enter Earth's atmosphere, they potentially become meteors, or if they land on Earth, meteorites.
- Space collisions are not limited to the asteroid belt; comets and asteroids can also collide with planets, causing craters or other significant impacts.