The energy yield of a nuclear weapon is often defined in terms of the equivalent mass of a conventional explosive. 1 ton of a conventional explosive releases 4.2 GJ. A typical nuclear warhead releases 250,000 times more, so the yield is expressed as 250 kilotons. That is a staggering explosion, but the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs was significantly greater. Assume that the asteroid was a sphere 10 km in diameter, with a density of 2500 kg/m3 and moving at 30 km/s. What energy was released at impact, in joules and in kilotons?
The energy yield of a nuclear weapon is often defined in terms of the equivalent mass of a conventional explosive. 1 ton of a conventional explosive releases 4.2 GJ. A typical nuclear warhead releases 250,000 times more, so the yield is expressed as 250 kilotons. That is a staggering explosion, but the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs was significantly greater. Assume that the asteroid was a sphere 10 km in diameter, with a density of 2500 kg/m3 and moving at 30 km/s. What energy was released at impact, in joules and in kilotons?
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter30: Nuclear Physics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 34P
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The energy yield of a nuclear weapon is often defined in terms of the equivalent mass of a conventional explosive. 1 ton of a conventional explosive releases 4.2 GJ. A typical nuclear warhead releases 250,000 times more, so the yield is expressed as 250 kilotons. That is a staggering explosion, but the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs was significantly greater. Assume that the asteroid was a sphere 10 km in diameter, with a density of 2500 kg/m3 and moving at 30 km/s. What energy was released at impact, in joules and in kilotons?
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