. What is the diameter of the meteorite?

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
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Perform the calculation that Luis Alvarez used to establish the size of the K-T impactor. Use the following information: a. Assume that the clay layer with iridium was uniformly distributed around Earth by the impact. b. On average, the layer had a concentration of iridium of 10 parts per billion (ppb) by weight. c. On average, the layer was 4 cm thick. d. The density of the layer was 2.5 g/cm 3 . e. Assume the meteor was spherical, with a density of 6.0 g/cm3 , and an iridium content of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) by weight. f. The radius of Earth is 6378 km. What is the diameter of the meteorite? The answer isn't exactly 10 km, as stated. By how much would you have to change the assumed thickness of the iridium layer to arrive at an asteroid diameter of exactly 10 km?
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