answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

When a space rock hits the atmosphere, the heat of friction and the compression shock wave heat the rock to incandescence, or "glowing hot". It is this streak of fire in the sky that we call a "meteor", sometimes inaccurately called a "falling star" or "shooting star". Sometimes the heat and pressure cause the rock to break up, or oftentimes, to explode.

If the meteor strikes the Earth, it becomes a "meteorite". If it is big enough and fast enough, it may explode on impact, causing a crater.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How do meteors and meteorites break up?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What are the meteors sand meteorites?

meteorites-larger chunks that land on earth's surface are called ''meteorites''meteors-at certain times,we see more meteors than usual and they appear as a ''showers''


Why meteors are important?

Meteors are not that important, meteorites might be.


Meteors that strike the ground?

Meteors that strike the ground are called meteorites.


How do you spell meteoroids?

Meteoroids, Meteors & Meteorites.


Where do most meteore come from?

Meteors mostly come from comets. I mean "meteors" not meteorites. Meteors are the things that burn up as they streak across the sky. They aren't the things that land on Earth.


What is a meteorites revolution in eath years?

Meteorites don't revolve - they are meteors that have fallen to Earth.


Are meteors falling stars?

Yes falling stars and shooting stars are meteors and meteorites.


How do meteorites turn into?

Asteroids get caught in Earth's gravitational pull. Asteroids become meteroids when they enter Earth's atmosphere. Meteroids becomes meteors when they light up due to friction. Meteors become meteorites when they hit Earth's surface.


What dont the moon have for the meteors to burn up in?

THe Moon doesn't have an atmosphere, which is what protects Earth from most meteorites.


How do meteors orbit the sun?

Meteors do not orbit the Sun. Meteors are to be found/seen in the Earth's atmosphere burning up. Before they enter the Earths atmosphere they are called meteoroids and if they land on Earth they are called meteorites.


What are the differences between meteorites meteors and meteorites?

The meteor is the streak of light in the sky; the meteorite is the rock that caused it.


What created the craters on the moon?

Mostly meteors