Question

Explain why a meteorite burns up as it enters the earth's atmosphere. Using ideas about work and energy...

Answer 1

A meteorite burns up as it enters the earth's atmosphere because there are many layers of thermosphere ,meosphere,stratshere etc so even when a shuttle enters the earth atmosphere it also burns so everything which comes by pressure it burns. 

Answer 2

 Earths atmosphere creates resistance which in turn creates friction which in turn generates heat which in turn burns up the meteorite. 

No atmosphere and even a bit of space dust would smash into the planet.