What happens when two comets collide?

The simulation showed that when two comets meet in a destructive collision, only a small portion of their material is pulverized and reduced to dust. On the sides of the comets opposite from the impact point, materials rich in volatiles withstand the collision.

What might cause a comet to collide with a planet?

The planet’s strong gravitational influence leads to many small comets and asteroids colliding with the planet, and the rate of cometary impacts on Jupiter is thought to be between 2,000 and 8,000 times higher than the rate on Earth.

What is comet collision?

other Bodies. Since the orbits of comets sometimes cross the orbits of other bodies in the Solar System, collisions may occur. At one time it was thought that a collision of a comet with the Earth would not be a serious matter.

What would happen if a comet hit Jupiter?

On March 17, a small asteroid or comet slammed into Jupiter, causing a fireball that amateur astronomers spotted from Earth. Such events, while spectacular, are not rare, experts say; the giant planet’s immense gravitational pull makes it the solar system’s punching bag.

How does the collision theory work in chemistry?

Collision theory states that for a chemical reaction to occur, the reacting particles must collide with one another. The rate of the reaction depends on the frequency of collisions.

When did Leclerc propose the cometary collision hypothesis?

The cometary collision hypothesis, proposed in 1749 by Georges Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon, was the idea that a comet struck the Sun and broke off fragments which formed the planets. This was the first version of the cataclysmic hypothesis of the origin of the solar system.

How is activation energy related to collision theory?

activation energyThe minimum energy with which reactants must collide in order for a reaction to occur. Collision theory provides a qualitative explanation of chemical reactions and the rates at which they occur. A basic principal of collision theory is that, in order to react, molecules must collide.

How did Max Trautz come up with the collision theory?

Collision theory was proposed independently by Max Trautz in 1916 and William Lewis in 1918. When a catalyst is involved in the collision between the reactant molecules, less energy is required for the chemical change to take place, and hence more collisions have sufficient energy for reaction to occur. The reaction rate therefore increases.