Which one of the following statements is believed to be true of comets?
A)They have highly elliptical orbits around the Sun.
B)They are composed mostly of dense rock particles.
C)They may gain slightly in mass with each orbit around the Sun.
D)Their bright,glowing appearance in the night sky is due to frictional heating in Earth's atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Comets are known for their highly elongated, elliptical orbits around the Sun.

Answer: C
 Some comets are known to gain mass with each orbit around the Sun due to the accumulation of dust and gas particles from their tails.

Option B is incorrect as comets are composed mainly of ice, dust, and small rocky particles. Option D is also incorrect as the bright appearance of comets in the night sky is due to the reflection of sunlight off their coma and tails, not frictional heating in Earth's atmosphere.

Which One of the Following Statements Is Believed to Be