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Chapter 3: Problem 55

Which of the following statements about asteroids and comets is true? A. They orbit the sun. B. They eventually become planets. C. They both have ice as part of their composition. D. They both have metals as part of their composition.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A. They orbit the sun.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Definitions

Know the definitions of asteroids and comets. Asteroids are rocky bodies that orbit the sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt. Comets are icy bodies that also orbit the sun, and when they come near the sun, they develop a glowing coma and tail.
02

Analyzing Option B

Option B states that asteroids and comets eventually become planets. This is incorrect because asteroids and comets are too small to become planets. They do not have enough mass to undergo the processes needed for planetary formation.
03

Analyzing Option C

Check if both asteroids and comets have ice as part of their composition. Asteroids are primarily rocky and metallic, while comets have significant ice along with dust and rocky material. This makes Option C incorrect.
04

Analyzing Option D

Check if both asteroids and comets have metals as part of their composition. While it is true that asteroids contain metals, comets are composed mostly of ice and dust, with very little metal content. Thus, Option D is incorrect.
05

Analyzing Option A

Check if both asteroids and comets orbit the sun. This statement is true. Both asteroids and comets revolve around the sun, although their orbits can be quite different in shape and location.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

solar system
The solar system is our local neighborhood in space, where the Sun is the main star, and various celestial bodies orbit around it. Our solar system includes eight planets, their moons, dwarf planets, and countless smaller objects.
Asteroids and comets are also part of this mix. They orbit the Sun just like the planets do but have different characteristics and behaviors.
Understanding the solar system helps us see how these bodies interact, where they come from, and their potential impact on Earth.
celestial bodies
Celestial bodies refer to natural objects in space. Examples include stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
Each type of celestial body has unique features and compositions.
Asteroids are rocky and metallic, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets consist mainly of ice, dust, and rocky material, often originating from the outer reaches of the solar system, such as the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud.
Recognizing these differences is key to understanding the various components of our solar system.
orbital mechanics
Orbital mechanics is the study of how objects move in space under the influence of gravity.
This field helps us understand the paths or orbits taken by celestial bodies like planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
The gravity of the Sun plays a crucial role in keeping these bodies in their orbits.
While planets follow relatively circular orbits, asteroids and comets have more varied and sometimes highly elliptical paths.
Knowing this explains why we see comets dramatically appear in the sky only occasionally as they come closer to the Sun.
composition of asteroids and comets
Asteroids and comets have different compositions, reflecting their origins and histories.
Asteroids are primarily made of rock and metal, making them dense and solid.
They are mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
On the other hand, comets have a significant ice component along with dust and rocky material.
When comets get near the Sun, the heat causes their ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and tail.
Recognizing these compositions helps scientists study the early solar system and the formation of planets.

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