What defines a meteorite?

A meteorite is defined as a solid fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface. This definition is based on the process that starts with a meteoroid—this is the original object in space. When it enters the Earth's atmosphere, it becomes a meteor, often producing a bright trail as it burns up due to friction with the air. However, if it is large enough to withstand this heat and impacts the ground, it is then classified as a meteorite.

The key aspect that makes the answer correct is that the impact with the Earth's surface is what distinguishes a meteorite from other related terms. Therefore, in order for an object to be classified as a meteorite, it must indeed hit the Earth's surface after surviving the atmospheric entry.

The other choices do not align with this definition:

• A small meteor doesn't encompass the survival aspect of the object through the atmosphere to the ground.

• A meteor burning up in the atmosphere indicates it does not survive to become a meteorite.

• Reaching outer space refers to the object's initial state rather than the criteria for defining a meteorite.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the landing aspect, making it a meteorite upon hitting the Earth's