Question

53. A Meteorite Strikes On October 9, 1992, a 27-pound meteorite struck a car in Peekskill, NY, leaving a dent 22 cm deep in the trunk. If the meteorite struck the car with a speed of 130 m/s, what was the magnitude of its deceleration, assuming it to be constant?

Answer 1

Mass of the meteorite = M = 27 pound

Speed of the meteorite with which it struck the car = V₁ = 130 m/s

Final speed of the meteorite = V₂ = 0 m/s

Depth of the dent = D = 22 cm = 0.22 m

Deceleration of the meteorite = a

V₂² = V₁² + 2aD

(0)² = (130)² + 2a(0.22)

a = -38409.1 m/s²

Negative as it is deceleration.

We are asked for the magnitude therefore it will be positive.

Magnitude of the deceleration of the meteorite = 38409.1 m/s²