Asteroids can be classified into two broad groups based on their composition and

Question

Asteroids can be classified into two broad groups based on their composition and location: carbon-rich asteroids dominate the outer part of the asteroid belt, whereas metal-rich asteroids dominate the inner part of the belt. Analysis of the fragment we have discussed in this project reveals that it contains nearly equal amounts of metals and carbon. Can you conclude that the original whole asteroid had a similar composition? Can you conclude with a high degree of confidence that the asteroid originated in the middle regions of the asteroid belt? Explain your reasoning. If you would need more data from the asteroid analysis, what would you like to see?

Explanation / Answer

We can not simply come to the conclusion that original asteroid had a similar comosition of metals and carbon. There may be a possibility of nuclear radiactivity from which initial compostion is redistributed into metals and carbon type The unstable elements in the asteroids have been acquired the stable configuration and then redistributed as two separate belts.

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