Comets, Asteroids, and Properties of Matter

What is the main difference between a comet and an asteroid?

• Comets are made of rock and metal, while asteroids are made of ice and dust.

• Asteroids have atmospheres, while comets do not.

• Comets orbit in the asteroid belt, while asteroids come from the Oort Cloud.

• Comets have tails when near the Sun, while asteroids do not.

Why do comets develop a bright tail when they approach the Sun?

• The ice in the comet vaporizes due to the Sun’s heat.

• The Sun’s gravity pulls them apart.

• They collide with asteroids, creating a glowing effect.

• They burn up like meteors entering Earth’s atmosphere.

Where are most asteroids located in the Solar System?

• In the Oort Cloud

• In the Kuiper Belt

• Between Mars and Jupiter

• Between Earth and Venus

What happens when a meteoroid enters Earth’s atmosphere and burns up?

• It becomes a meteorite.

• It becomes a meteor.

• It turns into an asteroid.

• It forms a new comet.

What is the primary difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

• Meteorites burn up in the atmosphere, while meteors reach the ground.

• Meteorites are made of ice, while meteors are made of rock.

• Meteors orbit the Sun, while meteorites orbit Earth.

• Meteors are found in space, while meteorites land on Earth.

What evidence supports the idea that asteroids are made of rock and metal?

• They have bright tails like comets.

• Telescopic observations show solid, irregular shapes.

• They are made mostly of gas.

• They orbit Earth in circular patterns.

What would happen if a large asteroid hit Earth?

• It would cause minor earthquakes.

• It could create a crater and change Earth’s climate

• It would become a comet.

• It would bounce off Earth’s atmosphere.

What is the Kuiper Belt primarily composed of?

• Asteroids

• Rocky planets

• Gas clouds

• Comets and icy bodies

What do meteor showers indicate about comets?

• Comets only exist in the asteroid belt.

• Comets leave behind dust and particles as they orbit.

• Comets travel randomly through space.

• Comets are always visible in the night sky.

Which of the following is an example of a short-period comet?

• Comet Hyakutake

• Comet Hale-Bopp

• Halley’s Comet

• Comet NEOWISE