Which of the following is a key component of a comet?

Which of the following is a key component of a comet?

• A. Magnesium
• B. Helium
• C. Ice and dust
• D. Iron

Answer: (C)

The key component of a comet is ice and dust. Comets are often described as "dirty snowballs" because they are made up of volatile substances such as water ice, frozen gases, carbon dioxide, and a mixture of dust and rocky materials. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize and release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and often a tail that stretches away from the Sun. This characteristic feature of ice and dust makes comets unique compared to other celestial objects like asteroids, which are primarily rocky or metallic. The other options presented do not accurately represent the primary composition of comets. While magnesium, helium, and iron are elements found in various celestial bodies, they are not fundamental components of a comet's structure.

The key component of a comet is ice and dust. Comets are often described as "dirty snowballs" because they are made up of volatile substances such as water ice, frozen gases, carbon dioxide, and a mixture of dust and rocky materials. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize and release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and often a tail that stretches away from the Sun. This characteristic feature of ice and dust makes comets unique compared to other celestial objects like asteroids, which are primarily rocky or metallic.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the primary composition of comets. While magnesium, helium, and iron are elements found in various celestial bodies, they are not fundamental components of a comet's structure.