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Meteorites and the Composition of Earth

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Why are meteorites a possible source of information regarding the origin and composition of Earth? Also, what other "clues" might be present in meteorites?

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This solution explains why meteorites are a possible source of information regarding the origin and composition of Earth. It also explains other "clues" might be present in meteorites.

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1. Why are meteorites a possible source of information regarding the origin and composition of Earth? . Also, what other "clues" might be present in meteorites?

From spectral analyses of the sun and comparison with meteorites, we can estimate the abundance of elements in the solar system. We can then infer the original composition of the solar system from the sun and meteorites and we can fill in gaps in our knowledge of Earth's composition. The date of the origin of the Earth can also be estimated from meteorites, which is discussed in more detail below.

There are three main types of Meteorites: stony, iron, and stony-iron. The stony meteorites (chondrites) are the most common, iron meteorites are composed largely of iron and nickel, and carbonaceous chondrites are of particular interest ...

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