Question

An asteroid of mass 312 kg is heading toward Earth with a speed

of 200. m/s. How much kinetic energy will the asteroid have when
it reaches Earth?
A. 12,500 kJ
B. 62.4 kJ
C. 6,240 kJ
D. 31.2 kJ

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is option C: 6,240 kJ.

Step-by-step explanation:

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

Kinetic Energy = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2

Given:

Mass of the asteroid = 312 kg

Velocity of the asteroid = 200 m/s

Substituting the values into the formula, we get:

Kinetic Energy = 1/2 * 312 kg * (200 m/s)^2

Simplifying the calculation:

Kinetic Energy = 1/2 * 312 kg * 40,000 m^2/s^2

Kinetic Energy = 6,240,000 kg*m^2/s^2

Since the unit for energy is joules (J), we can convert the units to kilojoules (kJ) by dividing by 1000:

Kinetic Energy = 6,240,000 J / 1000

Kinetic Energy = 6,240 kJ