Impact on Earth: Calculating Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the impact energy of an object based on its mass and velocity, specifically in relation to its potential effects upon hitting Earth. An online tool, ImpactEarth, is recommended for classifying the impact effects. The conversation also references Jay Melosh, a notable physicist known for his work on impact cratering mechanics, emphasizing the importance of object shape and atmospheric interaction in determining impact outcomes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as mass, velocity, and energy.
  • Familiarity with impact cratering mechanics.
  • Knowledge of atmospheric effects on falling objects.
  • Experience using online simulation tools like ImpactEarth.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the equations governing impact energy calculations for dense spherical objects.
  • Research the effects of atmospheric drag on various object shapes during free fall.
  • Learn about the historical impact events and their classifications.
  • Investigate advanced simulation tools for modeling impact scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, aerospace engineers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the dynamics of impact events and their consequences on Earth.

mukuruku
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Hey guys,
I have object i know its mass and velocity so i have energy. I need some king of classification of what impact it will make if it hits earth.
 
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Here’s an online tool. https://impact.ese.ic.ac.uk/ImpactEarth/ImpactEffects

As a side note, Jay Melosh did a Ph.D. at Caltech under Gell-Mann on quarks. He is known for his research on the mechanics of impact cratering. There are many paths for a physicist to take. He died a couple of years ago. May he rest in peace.
 
Last edited:
mukuruku said:
Hey guys,
I have object i know its mass and velocity so i have energy. I need some king of classification of what impact it will make if it hits earth.
Because Earth has an atmosphere, it makes a huge difference what size and shape it is. For example, a flat sheet of paper flutters as it falls, the mass and velocity of the paper make little difference.

If you mean a dense spherical object, there may be equations.
 

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