Question

What characteristic distinguishes a meteorite from a terrestrial rock?

A. a meteorite usually has a high metal content
B. a meteorite is usually covered with a dark crust from burning in Earth's atmosphere
C. meteorites contain rare elements, such as iridium, that terrestrial rocks do not
D. meteorites have different isotope ratios of particular elements when compared to terrestrial rocks
E. all of the above are true

Answer 1

A meteorite is usually covered with a dark crust from burning in Earth's atmosphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic that distinguishes a meteorite from a terrestrial rock is B. a meteorite is usually covered with a dark crust from burning in Earth's atmosphere. When a meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere, it experiences intense heat, causing the outer layer to melt and form a dark, burnt crust called a fusion crust. This crust is not typically found on terrestrial rocks.