A comet develops a tail due to the solar radiation it encounters as it travels close to the Sun. The radiation causes the comet’s materials to vaporize, forming a tail that streams away from the Sun.
MCQ’s
1. Which component of a comet is directly affected by solar radiation, contributing to the formation of its tail?
A) Core
B) Ice
C) Dust
D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Explanation: Both ice and dust components of a comet are affected by solar radiation. The radiation causes the ice to sublimate and the dust to be pushed away, contributing to the tail’s formation.
2. In which direction does a comet’s tail always point?
A) Towards the Sun
B) Away from the Sun
C) In the direction of its orbit
D) In the opposite direction of its orbit
Answer: B) Away from the Sun
Explanation: A comet’s tail always points away from the Sun, regardless of its travel direction. This is due to the solar wind and radiation pressure pushing the tail materials away from the Sun.
3. How many types of tails can a comet have?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: B) Two
Explanation: A comet can have two types of tails: the ion tail, made of charged particles, and the dust tail, made of small dust particles. Both are formed due to the Sun’s influence but have distinct appearances and compositions.
4. What is the ion tail of a comet primarily composed of?
A) Rock
B) Ice
C) Charged particles
D) Solid debris
Answer: C) Charged particles
Explanation: The ion tail is composed of charged particles that are ionized by solar ultraviolet radiation. This tail is often straight and narrow, pointing directly away from the Sun.
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