Chapter 19, Problem 1RQ

What do Widmanst?tten patterns indicate about the history of iron meteorites?

To determine

About the history of iron meteorites indicated by Widmanstatten pattern?

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The widmanstatten pattern is also called Thomson structure that contain long nickel iron crystal and Iron meteorites also have iron-nickel that usually consists of kamacite and taenite.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Iron meteorites are originated from the core of planetesimals.

Iron meteorites do not have any stony material in it and it is composed of 20% nickel with a regular bond in it which is called a Widmanstatten pattern. The pattern is in such way that size and shape tell us they are cooled over the period of time from molten metal.

Planetesimal are the objects that combine to form the planets.

Conclusion: Thus,Widmanstatten pattern is the form of study the history of iron meteorites.