UPSC Prelims 2011 · Question 11 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2011 question on Asteroids vs Comets
Which is the difference between asteroids and comets?
1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: B. 1 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct statements: I and III → Option (b).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – Correct: Asteroids are rocky while comets contain ice and gases.
Statement 2 – Incorrect: Comets are not mainly found between Venus and Mercury.
Statement 3 – Correct: Comets develop glowing tails near the Sun.