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Chapter 15: Problem 22

Why is the phrase "dirty snowball" an appropriate characterization of a comet's nucleus?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The phrase 'dirty snowball' is an apt description of a comet's nucleus because its structure comprises of a concoction of ice which represents the 'snowball', along with dust and rock particles metaphorical to 'dirt'. Thus, characterized together as a 'dirty snowball'.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the term 'dirty snowball'

When given the term 'dirty snowball', we can assume it to entail two components: 'dirt' and 'snow'. Here, 'dirt' could be referred to as various types of particles or fragments while 'snow' represents ice.
02

Analysing a comet's nucleus

A comet's nucleus is composed of a rocky core covered by ice. This ice isn't just water ice but also includes other frozen substances like carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia. Embedded within the icy component are also various forms of dust and rock particles.
03

Connecting the terminology with the comet's structure

Given the composition of a comet's nucleus, having both icy and rocky elements, it can hence be likened to a 'dirty snowball'. Here, the term 'snowball' represents the icy part of a comet's nucleus while the term 'dirty' denotes the rocky and dusty particles embedded within the ice.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Comets are generally brighter a few weeks after passing perihelion than a few weeks before passing perihelion. Explain why might this be. (Hint: Water, including water ice, does an excellent job of retaining heat.)

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Suppose you found a rock you suspect might be a meteorite. Describe some of the things you could do to determine whether it was a meteorite or a "meteorwrong."

What led astronomers to suspect that there were members of the solar system that orbit between Mars and Jupiter?

Why are asteroids, meteorites, and comets all of special interest to astronomers who want to understand the early history and subsequent evolution of the solar system?
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