How does the kinetic energy of an impacting object relate to crater diameter? ?
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. A projectile in motion colliding with a larger object means it’s motion is ceased, that is it’s kinetic energy is lost. But Total Energy remains constant. It’s Kinetic Energy is transformed into other types of Energy that form the crater. Potential Energy, that pushes the material that was in the crater away. Friction, the energy of objects pushing against each other and Thermal Radiation, the heat released by friction. A large amount of Kinetic Energy that is very suddenly transmuted, will release a lot of heat, which will quickly cause the air to expand; i.e. an explosion.That Energy will drive the surface out and away from the center; Potential Energy and the rest will dissipate into the surrounding atmosphere.
