Question

question 27 (multiple choice worth 3 points) oss.04
the picture below shows an asteroid and a comet.
(images: asteroid (left) and comet (right) with labels)
source: http://www.esa.int/esasc/sem6l61oodg_asteroid1
source: http://www.esa.int/esasc/sem6l61oodg_comet1
which of these statements best describes a similarity between asteroids and comets?
∘ both consist of gases.
∘ both are dwarf planets.
∘ both liquefy due to heat.
∘ both orbit around the sun.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• "Both consist of gases": Asteroids are rocky/metallic, not mainly gases. Comets have ice/gas but asteroids don't, so this is wrong.
• "Both are dwarf planets": Asteroids and comets are not dwarf planets (dwarf planets like Pluto have specific criteria), so this is wrong.
• "Both liquefy due to heat": Asteroids don't typically liquefy from heat; comets vaporize (sublimate) ice, not liquefy, so this is wrong.
• "Both orbit around the sun": Asteroids (in asteroid belt, etc.) and comets (in elliptical orbits) both orbit the Sun. This is correct.

Answer:

D. Both orbit around the sun (assuming the option is labeled D; if the original labels were different, adjust to the correct identifier with "Both orbit around the sun").