The current theory of the structure of the
Earth, called plate tectonics, tells us that the
continents are in constant motion.
Assume that the North American continent
can be represented by a slab of rock 4950 km
on a side and 34 km deep and that the rock
has an average mass density of 2870 kg/m3
.
The continent is moving at the rate of about
4 cm/year.
Part 1 of 3)
What is the mass of the continent?
Answer in units of kg.
(part 2 of 3)
What is the kinetic energy of the continent?
Answer in units of J.
(Part 3 of 3)
A jogger (of mass 66 kg) has the same kinetic
energy as that of the continent.
What would his speed be?
Answer in units of m/s.