What is the basic difference between comets and asteroids?
A) Comets always move in open orbits around the Sun and hence visit the Sun only once in their lifetime, whereas asteroids move in closed orbits.
B) Comets always emit their own light, whereas asteroids only reflect sunlight.
C) Comets are spherical, whereas asteroids are mostly irregular in shape.
D) Comets are mostly composed of ices, whereas asteroids are mainly composed of rocks.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The basic difference between comets and asteroids is that comets are mostly composed of ices such as water, carbon dioxide, and methane, whereas asteroids are mainly composed of rocks and metals. Additionally, comets often have a tail when they get closer to the Sun due to the sublimation of their ices, while asteroids do not have a tail. The other options listed in the question are incorrect.

What Is the Basic Difference Between Comets and Asteroids