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 5050 km
on a side and 28 km deep and that the rock
has an average mass density of 2980 kg/m3
.
The continent is moving at the rate of about
3.4 cm/year.
What is the mass of the continent?
Answer in units of kg.
005 (part 2 of 3) 10.0 points
What is the kinetic energy of the continent?
Answer in units of J.
006 (part 3 of 3) 10.0 points
A jogger (of mass 62 kg) has the same kinetic
energy as that of the continent.
What would his speed be?
Answer in units of m/s.