Comets Change as They Approach the Sun in Their Orbits

question 2

Multiple Choice

Comets change as they approach the Sun in their orbits. Which of the following statements about a comet approaching the Sun is FALSE?

• A) the solid water ice in a comet begins to evaporate just beyond the orbit of Mars
• B) comets close to the Sun can evaporate enough material to become as large or larger than Jupiter
• C) the gravity of the comet nucleus holds on to the evaporated material, and it all eventually freezes back into the nucleus
• D) when the ice evaporates, some dust frozen into the ice is freed up to join the comet's coma and tail
• E) the evaporation is not always even, but can occur in spurts (where jets of material are seen moving away from the comet nucleus)

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Definitions:

Cultural

Pertaining to the ideas, customs, social behaviors, and artifacts of society that are passed down from generation to generation.

Moral

Principles or standards concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

Social Brain

The concept that the human brain has evolved to effectively manage social interactions and relationships.

Evolution

The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.