What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planets, while comets are fo

Question

What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planets, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B because of the following reasons:

Statement 1 is correct. Asteroids are rocky and metallic objects often called minor planets. Comets are composed of frozen ice, dust, and rocky material, often described as dirty snowballs.

Statement 2 is incorrect. While asteroids are indeed found mostly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, comets are not found between Venus and Mercury. Comets originate from the far reaches of the solar system, specifically the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, well beyond the orbit of Neptune.

Statement 3 is correct. As comets approach the Sun, their ices vaporize, creating a glowing gaseous envelope and a long distinctive tail. Asteroids generally remain solid and do not develop a tail.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

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