UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 17
What is the difference between asteroids and comets ?
- Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by 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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Asteroids are mainly rocky or metallic small Solar System bodies, while comets contain icy volatiles mixed with dust and rock and can form comae and tails near the Sun.
Statement / Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Correct as a broad distinction: asteroid bodies are mostly rocky/metallic, comets are ice-rich.
2: Incorrect - Incorrect: the main asteroid belt is between Mars and Jupiter; many comets originate in the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud, not between Mercury and Venus.
3: Correct - Correct in the usual observational sense: solar heating produces conspicuous comet tails, unlike ordinary asteroids.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2; omits supported item 3.
B: Correct - includes the supported statements and excludes the unsupported ones.
C: Incorrect - omits supported item 1.
D: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2.