10 Questions
What is the composition of comets?
Mainly composed of ice, dust, and volatile organic compounds
What causes the ices in a comet's nucleus to vaporize as it approaches the Sun?
Solar radiation
What is the most characteristic feature of comets?
Development of a tail
What is the solid core of a comet called?
Nucleus
What is the main composition of a comet?
Methane, water, and carbon dioxide
What do comets typically have two of, that stretch for millions of kilometers in the direction opposite to the Sun?
Tails
What leads to the formation of tails in comets?
Solar wind and radiation pressure
What causes the development of a glowing coma around the nucleus of a comet?
Solar wind
What changes can comets undergo as they move through their orbits?
They vary in brightness
What is the orientation of comets' tails with respect to the Sun?
They point away from the Sun
Test your knowledge about the distinctive characteristics of comets including their composition, nucleus, and orbit.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
