A typical iron meteorite shows a Widmanstätten pattern. This suggests that it is a(n):
A)iron-nickel object that has existed unheated from the beginning of the solar system.
B)fragment of an undifferentiated (primitive) asteroid.
C)fragment from the core of a differentiated asteroid.
D)fragment from the crust of a differentiated asteroid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Widmanstätten pattern is formed due to the slow cooling of the iron-nickel alloy in the core of a differentiated asteroid. This cooling process creates a distinctive pattern of interlocking crystals of two different mineral species, which is visible on the surface of the iron meteorite. Therefore, a typical iron meteorite showing a Widmanstätten pattern is likely a fragment from the core of a differentiated asteroid.

A Typical Iron Meteorite Shows a Widmanstätten Pattern