Impact Craters: The Effects of Different Angles of Impact

Overview

Objectives/Goals An impact crater is formed when a meteoroid strikes the surface of a planet, moon, or other land mass in space. In my research and experiment, I tried to find out how the angle of a meteoroid impact changes the appearance of an impact crater. Methods/Materials In my experiment, I filled a pan with cornmeal and powdered tempera. I then rolled a marble (the impactor) down a ramp situated at 20, 45, and 90 degrees. I then observed and measured the craters and recorded the measurement of crater size and depth. I repeated this process fifteen (15) times for each angle. In addition, I calculated the energy available for crater formation by using the formula F=MA (Force = Mass x Acceleration) where acceleration is the result of gravity (32ft/sec squared) and for the slopes, the sine of the angle. Results The results I came up with are the following: A higher angle of impact caused a smaller crater; a lower impact angle caused a larger crater. If the angle is lower, the crater will be shallower and if the angle is steeper, the crater will be deeper. Conclusions/Discussion With a steeper angle of impact, the marble will gain speed and have more velocity. This will result in a larger crater. This, however, does not apply to a vertical drop. In the event of a vertical drop, the surface material has nowhere to go, which in turn causes the initial crater to be smaller and deeper.

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Earth Sciences/ Planetary Sciences/ Physical Environments · Entry J0625

Resources

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