An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 21.7

The Milky Way Galaxy — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · shoemaker-levy-kinetic-energy

Problem

Suppose that fragment G of comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 measured 700 m in diameter. If this fragment had an average density of 200 kg m−3^{-3}, estimate its kinetic energy just before it entered the planet's atmosphere. You may assume that it struck the atmosphere with a speed equal to the planet's escape speed. Express your answer in joules and megatons of TNT (1 MTon =4.2×1015= 4.2 \times 10^{15} J).

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