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What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

  1. 1.Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are made of ice, dust and rocky material.
  2. 2.Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
  3. 3.Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: B. 1 and 3 only

Asteroids are primarily rocky and metallic bodies found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets, conversely, are icy bodies composed of frozen gases, dust, and rock, originating from the outer solar system. As comets approach the Sun, their ice sublimates, forming a glowing coma and a tail, a phenomenon not observed in asteroids.

Source: UPSC gs1 2011

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