What if Earth and the Moon Were Hit by Twin Asteroids?
ES2506  Impact Calculator

The Impact Calculator estimates impact data for identical asteroids striking Earth and the moon. Use the tool to explore the predicted results of various impacts. The energy equivalent of each impact is reported in millions of tons of TNT (MT).

  !   Set the speed, impact angle, diameter, and density of the asteroids by using the sliders or entering values in the fields, then click the Calculate button. Answer questions 7 through 11 below.

 

 
    Use the Impact Calculator to answer these questions.

7. What happens to the crater diameter when you increase the speed of the asteroids?

8. What happens to the diameter of impact craters as the impact angle decreases?

9. How does the kinetic energy of a 1000 m diameter iron asteroid traveling at 17 km/sec compare to the kinetic energy of an iron asteroid at twice the mass (diameter of 1260 km) traveling at the same speed?

10. How does the kinetic energy of a 1000 m diameter iron asteroid traveling at 17 km/sec compare to a similar one traveling at 34 km/sec?

11. Use the Impact Calculator to determine the size and structure of craters on Earth and the moon produced by asteroids with 500 m diameters at different speeds, impact angles, and compositions. Make a table on a separate sheet of paper to record your results.

  
    


	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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