Short-period comets originate from which region?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the NES Earth and Space Science (307) Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations to enhance your understanding and boost your confidence. Excel in your exam preparation!

Multiple Choice

Short-period comets originate from which region?

Explanation:
Short-period comets come from the Kuiper Belt, a disk of icy bodies beyond Neptune. Gravitational nudges from Neptune can alter the orbits of these objects, sending them into the inner solar system where they become active comets with relatively short orbital periods. The Oort Cloud, in contrast, is a distant shell that provides long-period comets with orbits spanning thousands of years. The asteroid belt is rocky and located closer to the Sun, so it isn’t the source of short-period comets. Interstellar space isn’t a solar-system region where we source comets.

Short-period comets come from the Kuiper Belt, a disk of icy bodies beyond Neptune. Gravitational nudges from Neptune can alter the orbits of these objects, sending them into the inner solar system where they become active comets with relatively short orbital periods. The Oort Cloud, in contrast, is a distant shell that provides long-period comets with orbits spanning thousands of years. The asteroid belt is rocky and located closer to the Sun, so it isn’t the source of short-period comets. Interstellar space isn’t a solar-system region where we source comets.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy