Meteorites and the Solar System

What is the primary difference between asteroids and comets?

• Asteroids are icy, while comets are rocky.

• Asteroids are rocky, while comets are icy.

• Asteroids are larger than comets.

• Asteroids orbit the Earth, while comets orbit the Sun.

What is a meteoroid?

• A comet that has entered Earth's atmosphere.

• A small asteroid in space.

• A meteor that has landed on Earth.

• A piece of an asteroid or comet in space.

Which type of meteorite is primarily composed of rock and metal?

• Carbonaceous meteorites

• Stony meteorites

• Stony-iron meteorites

• Iron meteorites

What makes carbonaceous meteorites unique?

• They have a dark color due to carbon content.

• They are composed entirely of metal.

• They contain a high amount of iron.

• They are the heaviest type of meteorite.

How do scientists determine the age of meteorites?

• Through their location of discovery.

• By analyzing their color and texture.

• Through radioactive dating techniques.

• By measuring their size and weight.

What is the significance of pre-solar grains found in meteorites?

• They are responsible for the meteorites' metallic content.

• They formed around ancient stars before our solar system.

• They are the main source of water on Earth.

• They are younger than the solar system.

What role did meteorites like Winchcombe play in Earth's history?

• They provided Earth with water and organic materials.

• They caused the extinction of dinosaurs.

• They are the primary source of Earth's atmosphere.

• They formed the Earth's core.

How is water present in meteorites like Winchcombe?

• As vapor in the meteorite's atmosphere.

• As liquid water within the meteorite.

• As ice crystals on the surface.

• Locked within minerals as hydrogen and oxygen.

Why are space missions important for studying meteorites?

• They are the only way to find new meteorites.

• They bring meteorites back to Earth for study.

• They help identify the exact origin of meteorites.

• They prevent meteorites from hitting Earth.

What is one of the main goals of studying meteorites?

• To find new elements.

• To understand the formation of the solar system.

• To create new types of metals.

• To predict future meteorite impacts.