Meteor Composition: Fragments of Space Debris

Description: Test your knowledge about the composition of meteors, fragments of space debris that enter Earth's atmosphere.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: astronomy meteors space debris
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What is the primary component of most meteors?

  1. Iron

  2. Nickel

  3. Magnesium

  4. Silicon


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Iron is the most common element found in meteors, accounting for approximately 90% of their composition.

What is the term used to describe the luminous trail left by a meteor as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere?

  1. Meteor Shower

  2. Meteorite

  3. Meteoroid

  4. Meteor Streak


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The luminous trail left by a meteor is called a meteor streak.

Which type of meteor is known for its bright, persistent trail that can last for several minutes?

  1. Fireball

  2. Bolide

  3. Tunguska Event

  4. Leonid Meteor Shower


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A bolide is a type of meteor that produces a bright, persistent trail that can last for several minutes.

What is the term used to describe a meteor that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the ground?

  1. Meteor Shower

  2. Meteorite

  3. Meteoroid

  4. Meteor Streak


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A meteorite is a meteor that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the ground.

Which type of meteorite is composed primarily of iron and nickel?

  1. Stony Meteorite

  2. Iron Meteorite

  3. Stony-Iron Meteorite

  4. Achondrite


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Iron meteorites are composed primarily of iron and nickel.

What is the term used to describe a meteorite that contains a mixture of rocky and metallic material?

  1. Stony Meteorite

  2. Iron Meteorite

  3. Stony-Iron Meteorite

  4. Achondrite


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Stony-iron meteorites contain a mixture of rocky and metallic material.

Which type of meteorite is composed primarily of silicate minerals?

  1. Stony Meteorite

  2. Iron Meteorite

  3. Stony-Iron Meteorite

  4. Achondrite


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Stony meteorites are composed primarily of silicate minerals.

What is the term used to describe a stony meteorite that has undergone significant heating and differentiation?

  1. Stony Meteorite

  2. Iron Meteorite

  3. Stony-Iron Meteorite

  4. Achondrite


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Achondrites are stony meteorites that have undergone significant heating and differentiation.

Which type of meteorite is known for its chondrules, small spherical structures composed of silicate minerals?

  1. Stony Meteorite

  2. Iron Meteorite

  3. Stony-Iron Meteorite

  4. Achondrite


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Stony meteorites that contain chondrules are known as chondrites.

What is the term used to describe the process by which a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere?

  1. Ablation

  2. Accretion

  3. Impact

  4. Entry


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The process by which a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere is called entry.

Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere is primarily responsible for the ablation of meteors?

  1. Troposphere

  2. Stratosphere

  3. Mesosphere

  4. Thermosphere


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The mesosphere is primarily responsible for the ablation of meteors.

What is the term used to describe the sudden burst of light and energy that occurs when a meteoroid collides with the Earth's surface?

  1. Impact

  2. Explosion

  3. Detonation

  4. Crater Formation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The sudden burst of light and energy that occurs when a meteoroid collides with the Earth's surface is called an impact.

Which type of impact crater is characterized by a raised rim and a central peak?

  1. Simple Crater

  2. Complex Crater

  3. Central Peak Crater

  4. Peak Ring Crater


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Complex craters are characterized by a raised rim and a central peak.

What is the term used to describe a large impact crater that is formed by the collision of a celestial body with the Earth's surface?

  1. Simple Crater

  2. Complex Crater

  3. Central Peak Crater

  4. Impact Basin


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An impact basin is a large impact crater that is formed by the collision of a celestial body with the Earth's surface.

Which type of impact crater is characterized by a flat floor and a lack of a central peak?

  1. Simple Crater

  2. Complex Crater

  3. Central Peak Crater

  4. Peak Ring Crater


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Simple craters are characterized by a flat floor and a lack of a central peak.

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