Meteors and Comets Video: Why is the moon covered with craters from the impact of space rocks, but the earth isn't? Question 9 options: A. The moon doesn't have an atmosphere to burn up the rocks before hitting the surface. B. Scientists aren't sure. C. The moon is older than the earth. D. The moon takes the impact of space rocks so the earth doesn't have to.

Question

Physics

Nathalia Pace

9 August, 13:35

Meteors and Comets Video: Why is the moon covered with craters from the impact of space rocks, but the earth isn't? Question 9 options: A. The moon doesn't have an atmosphere to burn up the rocks before hitting the surface. B. Scientists aren't sure. C. The moon is older than the earth. D. The moon takes the impact of space rocks so the earth doesn't have to.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Annika Ritter · Answer 1

Answer: A. The moon doesn't have an atmosphere to burn up the rocks before hitting the surface.

Explanation:

Unlike the Earth, the Moon does not have an atmosphere, this leads to at least to facts:

1) Since the atmosphere (in the case of Earth) is mainly composed of gases (including oxigen) that can make combustion; when a meteor enters in the atmosphere and gets in contact with oxigen it becomes flamable and part of it is burned and separated. Then, if the meteor was large enough, the parts that were not separated will impact on the Earth Surface.

In the Moon, meteors completely impact the surface.

2) In our planet, after the meteorite impact, the crater formed will gradually fade due to erosion caused by the atmosphere. In the case of the Moon, the craters remain intact, since there is not erosion on its surface.