Meteor Accelerating towards the Earth

In summary, the speed at which a meteor can accelerate towards the Earth varies depending on its size, composition, and trajectory, with an average range of 25,000 to 160,000 miles per hour. This acceleration is caused by the force of gravity, and can be predicted by studying the meteor's trajectory and using mathematical models. When a meteor accelerates towards the Earth, it creates a bright streak of light known as a meteor or shooting star, and may break apart and leave behind smaller pieces called meteorites. Its speed is not constant due to factors such as air resistance and gravitational forces from other objects, but may reach a relatively constant speed once it fully enters the Earth's atmosphere.
  • #1
HarleyM
56
0

Homework Statement



a 12 kg meteor experiences an acceleration of 7.2 m/s^2, when faling towards the earth.

How high above the Earths surface is the meteor?


Homework Equations


mass of earth= 5.98x1024 kg
radius of earth= 6.36x106 m

g=G*MEarth/r2

r=√G*ME/g



The Attempt at a Solution



r=√G*ME/g
=√(6.67x10-11)(5.98x1024)/(7.2)
=7.4x106 m

7.4x106-6.36x106
=1.06 x106 m above the Earths surface, or 1060 km?

Does everything look good? Thanks in advance for any help!
 
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  • #2
This looks OK.
Did you realize you did not need the mass of the meteor in the calculation??
 

1. How fast can a meteor accelerate towards the Earth?

The speed at which a meteor can accelerate towards the Earth depends on various factors such as its size, composition, and trajectory. On average, meteors can reach speeds of 25,000 to 160,000 miles per hour as they enter the Earth's atmosphere.

2. What causes a meteor to accelerate towards the Earth?

A meteor accelerates towards the Earth due to the force of gravity. When a meteor enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences a strong gravitational pull towards the Earth, causing it to accelerate at high speeds.

3. Can a meteor's acceleration towards the Earth be predicted?

Yes, a meteor's acceleration towards the Earth can be predicted by studying its trajectory and using mathematical models to calculate its speed and path. However, factors such as atmospheric conditions and gravitational forces can also influence the acceleration, making it difficult to predict with complete accuracy.

4. What happens when a meteor accelerates towards the Earth?

When a meteor accelerates towards the Earth, it creates a bright streak of light in the sky known as a meteor or shooting star. As it travels through the Earth's atmosphere, it also starts to heat up and may break apart, causing smaller pieces to fall to the ground as meteorites.

5. Can a meteor accelerate towards the Earth at a constant speed?

No, a meteor's speed towards the Earth is not constant. As it enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences air resistance and may also encounter gravitational forces from other objects, causing its speed to fluctuate. However, it may reach a relatively constant speed once it has fully entered the Earth's atmosphere.

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