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GCSE Physics · key term
A small, icy body that orbits the Sun and can develop a cloud of gas and dust, and a tail, as it approaches the Sun.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 7.2P · Paper 1
Revise: Solar System CompositionComets contain ice and dust; when a comet travels close to the Sun, warming can release gas and dust to form a cloud and sometimes a visible tail. A comet therefore does not always have a tail.
Include dwarf planets, asteroids and comets as well as the Sun, eight planets and natural satellites when listing the Solar System’s contents.
A comet’s tail is not permanent: it develops when the comet approaches the Sun.
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