chapter 12 solar system
A relatively small impact crater 20 kilometers in diameter could be made by a comet about 2 kilometers in diameter traveling at 34 km/skm/s (34,000 m/sm/s). Assume that the comet has a total mass of 4.8×1012 kilograms. What is its total kinetic energy? (Hint: The kinetic energy is equal to 12mv2, where m is the comet's mass and v is its speed.)
2.8*10^21
Convert your answer from part A to an equivalent in megatons of TNT, the unit used for nuclear bombs. (Hint: One megaton of TNT releases 4.2×10154.2×1015 joules of energy.)
6.6*10^5
Comment on the degree of devastation the impact of such a comet could cause if it struck a populated region on Earth.
The impact would cause widespread devastation in the region and affect the climate, but not cause a mass extinction.
When a comet is within the inner solar system, its visible tails point __________.
away from the sun
