The destruction of Earth by an asteroid depends on several factors, including the size, composition, speed, and angle of impact. A 4.1-kilometer-sized asteroid would indeed have the potential to cause significant damage and have global consequences, but it is unlikely to completely destroy the Earth.
The size of the asteroid is a critical factor. The 4.1-kilometer size you mentioned is comparable to the asteroid that is believed to have caused the extinction of dinosaurs about 66 million years ago. The impact of such a large asteroid released an enormous amount of energy, leading to widespread devastation, global wildfires, and a subsequent long-term environmental impact.
If an asteroid of this size were to collide with Earth today, it could cause catastrophic effects. The exact consequences would depend on various factors, including the location and angle of impact, as well as the composition of the asteroid. The initial impact would release an enormous amount of energy, causing widespread destruction in the impact zone, triggering massive earthquakes, tsunamis, and a release of debris into the atmosphere.
Additionally, the energy released by such an impact could cause global climate changes, leading to long-term effects on the environment, including cooling, reduced sunlight, and potentially affecting ecosystems and global food supplies. However, the Earth as a whole would likely survive such an impact.
It is important to note that scientists and organizations around the world actively monitor near-Earth asteroids and comets to identify potential impact risks and develop mitigation strategies. If a hazardous asteroid were discovered on a collision course with Earth, efforts would be made to analyze its trajectory, composition, and potential impact consequences in order to take appropriate actions to mitigate the threat.
While the impact of a 4.1-kilometer asteroid would have severe consequences, it is unlikely to result in the complete destruction of the Earth.