Question

If an Apple was flying at the Earth at 1% the speed of light, how many apples would be equivalent to the weight of the impact when the Apple reached Earth?

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of the apple, traveling at 1% the speed of light, is approximately 9 * 10^11 Joules, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m = 0.2 kg and v = 0.01 * 3 * 10^8 m/s.

To calculate the kinetic energy of the apple impacting Earth, we can use the kinetic energy formula:

`\[ KE = (1)/(2)mv^2 \]`

where:

- KE is the kinetic energy,

- m is the mass of the apple, and

- v is its velocity.

Given that the apple is flying at 1% the speed of light (c), which is approximately 3 × 10^8 meters per second, the velocity (v) is (0.01 × c).

Let's assume a typical mass for an apple is about 0.2 kg.

Velocity (v) of the apple = 0.01 * 3 * 10^8 m/s

Mass (m) of the apple = 0.2 kg

Kinetic Energy formula:

KE = 1/2 * m * v^2

Now, substitute the values:

KE = 1/2 * 0.2 kg * (0.01 * 3 * 10^8 m/s)^2

Simplify the expression:

KE = 1/2 * 0.2 kg * (3 * 10^6 m/s)^2

KE = 1/2 * 0.2 kg * 9 * 10^12 m^2/s^2

KE = 0.1 kg * 9 * 10^12 m^2/s^2

KE = 9 * 10^11 Joules