Meteors will strike earth at what speed?

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Two meteoroids, initially 160,000 km from Earth's center, are approaching at speeds of 10 km/s and 20 km/s. The relevant equations for solving their impact speeds involve kinetic and potential energy, specifically K + U = K_i + U_i and U = -GMm/R. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the change in potential energy as the meteoroids descend and how it relates to their kinetic energy upon impact. The initial potential energy will convert to kinetic energy as they reach Earth's surface. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately determining their strike speeds.
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Homework Statement


2 meteoroids are 160,000 km from Earth's center and heading straight toward Earth. One is moving at 10 km/s, the other at 20 km/s. At what speeds will they strike Earth?


Homework Equations



K + U = K_i + U_i

U = -GMm/R


The Attempt at a Solution



Ok, either I'm having a serious brain fart. But are those the right equations I'm concentrating on?
 
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Yes they are. You are on the right track if you know that those equation will help you with the problem.
 
As well, remember that the change in potential energy is equal to the change in kinetic energy. What potential energy to the meteoroids have initially, and what will they have when they strike the surface of the earth?
 

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