Chapter 24, Problem 1RQ

What is the difference between a meteoroid and an asteroid? Is there a sharp distinction?

To determine

The difference between an asteroid and a meteorite and whether they had a sharp distinction.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Meteorites are the small fragments of asteroid and the difference is not quite sharp in their sizes.

Explanation of Solution

Asteroids are the small planetary objects that orbit the Sun. Most of the asteroids are found in the asteroid belt of the Solar system. Some may be found in between the planets or in the Kuiper belt as well.

Meteorites are the meteors that survive the impact of the Earth’s atmosphere. They are rocky debris that separated from asteroids.

No size difference can be assigned to asteroids and meteorites, therefore, the distinction is not that sharp.