Question

A meteorite enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up before reaching the Earth itself. The meteorites' kinetic energy stores are transferred to the surroundings as heat, sound and what else?

Answer 1

Answer:

A meteorite has both potential and kinetic energy before entering the atmosphere of the Earth. As it enters and falls towards the surface of the Earth, frictional heating occurs, caused by collision with the molecules in the atmosphere which reduces its velocity. Hence the kinetic energy decreases, which is converted to heat energy. Potential energy is continuously decreasing, being converted to kinetic energy. There is also mass loss due to ablation.

Answer 2

The meteorites' kinetic energy stores are transferred to the surroundings as heat, sound and light energy.

When meteorite enters earth's atmosphere-

• When the meteorite enters the earth's atmosphere, then friction acts on it.
• When meteorite enters the earth's atmosphere then it will have kinetic energy.
• Due to friction, the meteorite catches fire.
• At this point, the kinetic energy of the meteorite will be converted into heat energy, sound energy as well as light energy.