Which object would have the LOWEST impact on our planet if it were to strike Earth?
A) a 1-kg asteroid traveling at 30 km/s
B) a 5-kg asteroid traveling at 10 km/s
C) a 100-kg comet traveling at 10 km/s
D) a 1,000-kg Mini Cooper car traveling at 100 miles/hr, which is 0.05 km/s
E) a 3,000-kg truck traveling at 35 miles/hr, which is 0.02 km/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The impact of an object on Earth is determined by its kinetic energy, which is proportional to its mass and the square of its velocity. Of the given objects, the 3,000-kg truck traveling at 35 miles/hr has the lowest kinetic energy and would therefore have the lowest impact on Earth if it were to strike.

Which Object Would Have the LOWEST Impact on Our Planet