Comets are distinguished from meteoroids and asteroids by
A) their origin in the comet belt between Mars and Jupiter.
B) their very small size.
C) their metallic core.
D) their glowing tail of gas and dust.
E) a spectacular burst of light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Comets are distinguished from meteoroids and asteroids by their glowing tail of gas and dust.

Note: Option A is incorrect because the comet belt is actually located beyond Neptune's orbit, not between Mars and Jupiter. Option B is incorrect because comets can range in size from just a few meters to tens of kilometers. Option C is incorrect because while comets do have a small metallic core, this is not unique to comets and is also present in asteroids. Option E is incorrect because while comets can produce a spectacular burst of light (e.g. a comet's coma and tail), this is also possible with other astronomical phenomena, such as supernovae.

Comets Are Distinguished from Meteoroids and Asteroids by