Chapter 32, Problem 10RAT

With each pass of a comet about the Sun, the comet’s mass

(a) remains virtually unchanged.

(b) actually increases.

(c) is appreciably reduced.

To determine

The correct option for the statement “With each pass of a comet about the Sun, the comet’s mass”.

Answer to Problem 10RAT

The correct option for the statement “With each pass of a comet about the Sun, the comet’s mass” is option (c).

Explanation of Solution

Comets are the frozen gases, rock and dust that orbit the Sun. When the gases in the solar system at a huge distance from the Sun freezes and take the shape of a snowball of frozen gases and rock, they start orbiting the Sun.

The percentage of a comet’s mass lost each time it orbits the Sun depends on how big the comets are, its composition and how close it gets to the Sun.

The comets lose mass because the Sun’s heat makes different frozen substance sublimate and outgas while forming a million-kilometer wide, taking dust and pebbles with them.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “With each pass of a comet about the Sun, the comet’s mass” is option (c).