Hanna wants to calculate the terminal velocity of a typical meteorite just before it hits Earth.

Question

She researches meteorites at the library and on the internet. What information does she need to find?

A. a typical meteorite's weight, surface area, and coefficient of drag, air density close to Earth
B. a typical meteorite's surface area and coefficient of drag; air density close to Earth
C.a typical meteorite's weight, surface area, and coefficient of drag
D. a typical meteorite's mass and average velocity

Answer 1

To calculate the terminal velocity of a meteorite, Hanna needs to consider the factors that influence it, namely its weight (or mass), surface area, coefficient of drag, and the density of the air it is moving through.

The correct information needed for calculating terminal velocity usually includes:

1. Weight (or mass): This affects the force of gravity acting on the meteorite.
2. Surface area: This is important for determining the drag force acting on the meteorite as it falls through the air.
3. Coefficient of drag: This is a dimensionless number that characterizes the drag per unit area of the object.
4. Air density: The density of air changes with altitude and impacts the drag force.

Given that, the best option that includes all the necessary components is:

A. a typical meteorite's weight, surface area, and coefficient of drag, air density close to Earth.