The tail of a comet is longest when the comet is closest to the Sun because the heat from the Sun causes the ices in the nucleus to sublimate, creating a gas and dust cloud that forms the tail. The closer the comet is to the Sun, the more intense the heating, and the longer and more visible the tail becomes.

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The Tail of a Comet

Question 103

Multiple Choice

The tail of a comet:

A) is longest when the comet is closest to Jupiter; the tail is pulled out by Jupiter''s gravity.
B) remains constant in length throughout its complete orbital path.
C) is longest when the comet is closest to the Sun.
D) is longest when the comet is farthest from the Sun because it is then unaffected by sunlight.

Correct Answer: