What is the difference between asteroids and comets? 1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by a rocky and metallic material. 2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury. 3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

QUESTION

Easy

Science & Technology

Prelims 2011

What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by a rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Asteroids are indeed small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material, so statement 1 is correct.

However, statement 2 is incorrect. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, in the asteroid belt, while comets are found in the outer solar system, not between Venus and Mercury.

Statement 3 is correct as comets, when they approach the sun, show a perceptible glowing tail due to the vapourisation of their icy components, while asteroids do not.

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