Did the Chelyabinsk meteor really explode ?

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In summary, the Chelyabinsk meteor did indeed explode, contrary to some reports. The rapid increase in kinetic energy from its speed caused the meteor to essentially vaporize, and the material of the meteor can affect the likelihood of an explosion. An explosion is defined as a sudden release of energy, often accompanied by a shock wave.
  • #1
Crikey
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Did the Chelyabinsk meteor really "explode"?

All the news and video reports said the Chelyabinsk meteor "exploded" but is that strictly accurate?
To explode, doesn't the inside of something have to rapidly expand and shatter the outer shell (like a bomb or hand grenade), so how can the inside of a meteor heat up faster than the outside?
 
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  • #2
Yes the meteor exploded.

http://rt.com/news/scientists-explain-chelyabinsk-bolide-337/


Why did it explode? The short answer is the sheer speed generates such a rapid increase of kinetic energy (heat) that essentially rapidly vaporizes the mass. Depending on the material of the meteor will increase or decrease the possibility of explosion. Conglomerate or cement like meteors are more likely than solid iron meteors
 
  • #3
That sucker blew up like a firecracker on the Fourth of July.
 
  • #4
Crikey said:
To explode, doesn't the inside of something have to rapidly expand and shatter the outer shell (like a bomb or hand grenade)
Not necessarily. You are confusing cause and effect. That's one cause of an explosion. An explosion is an effect, a sudden release of a large amount of energy, oftentimes associated with a shock wave. In the case of the Russian meteor, a very large amount of energy was released in a very short period of time, producing a sizable shock. It was an explosion.
 
  • #5
I thought it was pent-up internal stress from the rapid heating? Like when you drop an ice cube in a drink and it cracks.
 

1. What caused the Chelyabinsk meteor to explode?

The Chelyabinsk meteor exploded due to its high speed and impact with the Earth's atmosphere. This caused immense friction, which led to the meteor breaking apart and exploding in the air.

2. How large was the Chelyabinsk meteor?

The Chelyabinsk meteor was estimated to be about 17 to 20 meters in diameter and weighed around 10,000 tons.

3. Could the Chelyabinsk meteor have caused more damage if it didn't explode?

Yes, if the Chelyabinsk meteor had not exploded in the air, it could have caused significant damage on the ground. The explosion in the air dispersed the energy, reducing the impact on the surface.

4. Did the Chelyabinsk meteor leave behind any debris?

Yes, the Chelyabinsk meteor left behind fragments of debris, which were found in the surrounding areas. These fragments were collected and studied by scientists to learn more about the meteor's composition and origin.

5. How often do events like the Chelyabinsk meteor occur?

Events like the Chelyabinsk meteor occur once every few years. However, most of these events happen over the ocean or in unpopulated areas, making them less noticeable. The Chelyabinsk meteor gained widespread attention due to its explosion and the high number of videos captured by witnesses.

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