Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Comets are icy masses of frozen gases and dust particles. What happens when a comet gets too close to the sun?

  1. The gases catch fire, making the comet glow.

  2. The ice begins to melt, leaving a trail of gases and debris.

  3. The comet explodes, which is called a supernova.

  4. The comet bounces off the sun’s magnetosphere.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

As comets approach the sun, solar radiation heats and vaporizes the frozen gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane), creating a glowing coma and tail. This tail always points away from the sun due to solar wind. The ice doesn't catch fire, comets don't explode as supernovae, and they don't bounce off magnetic fields.

Keep practicing — related questions