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?
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.