A micrometeor has a mass of 0.005 grams. When it enters Earth's atomsphere it travels at 21,000 meters per second. What is its kinetic energy when it enters Earth's atmosphere?

Answer 1

To calculate the kinetic energy of the micrometeor, we can use the formula:

Kinetic energy = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2

Plugging in the values:

Kinetic energy = 0.5 * 0.005 grams * (21000 m/s)^2
Kinetic energy = 0.5 * 0.005 * 441000000
Kinetic energy = 1102500 joules

Therefore, the kinetic energy of the micrometeor when it enters Earth's atmosphere is 1,102,500 joules.