Final answer:
The result of an asteroid impact propelling material into the atmosphere would be global cooling due to reduced sunlight. This could lead to mass extinctions as a consequence of environmental changes like the loss of plant life and acid rain, rather than the impact itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an explosive action such as an asteroid impact forced a significant amount of material into the atmosphere, leading to a notable reduction in the amount of radiant energy reaching Earth's surface, the result would likely be global cooling due to reduced sunlight.
This reduction in sunlight would result from the material in the atmosphere blocking the sun's rays, much in the way volcanic ash clouds can cause 'volcanic winters'.
Such events can lead to widespread ecological consequences including the death of sunlight-dependent plants, which would disrupt the food chain and lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
Historically, events of this magnitude have led to mass extinctions due to the vast and lasting environmental effects. It was such environmental changes, rather than the explosion itself, that were primarily responsible for the demise of numerous species, including the dinosaurs.
Effects from a significant reduction in sunlight can also cause issues like large-scale fires from hot debris, and a period of acid rain affecting the planet globally.