WGU (MTC1) Integrated Physical Sciences Exam - Topic 1 Question 6 Discussion

Actual exam question for WGU's WGU (MTC1) Integrated Physical Sciences exam

Question #: 6
Topic #: 1

[All WGU (MTC1) Integrated Physical Sciences Questions]

Why do comets develop tails when they are near the Sun?

AThe evaporation of ice and the release of dust particles

BThe increasing rate of debris impacts as the comet approaches the Sun

CThe combustion of flammable compounds in its atmosphere

DThe increasing velocity as the comet approaches the Sun

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: A

As comets approach the Sun, the increased solar radiation causes the ice within the comet to evaporate (a process called sublimation), releasing gas and dust particles. This creates a visible atmosphere called a coma, and the solar wind then blows this material away from the comet, forming a tail. The tail always points away from the Sun due to the force of the solar wind. Reference:

NASA's Comet Exploration Missions

'Cometary Physics' - European Space Agency Publications

by Earleen at Jan 05, 2026, 05:16 AM

Limited Time Offer

25%

Off

Get Premium WGU (MTC1) Integrated Physical Sciences Questions as Interactive Web-Based Practice Test or PDF

Contribute your Thoughts:

Submit Cancel

Danica

3 days ago

C) The combustion of flammable compounds in its atmosphere? Seriously? Comets are not fireballs, you know.

upvoted 0 times

...

Bernardo

8 days ago

B) The increasing rate of debris impacts as the comet approaches the Sun? Nah, that's not how comets work, mate.

upvoted 0 times

...

Merilyn

13 days ago

A) The evaporation of ice and the release of dust particles is the correct answer. Comets develop tails due to the sublimation of ice and the release of dust particles as they approach the Sun.

upvoted 0 times

...

Sharika

18 days ago

I thought it was related to the velocity, but I can't recall if that was just about movement or if it actually causes the tail.

upvoted 0 times

...

Candra

24 days ago

I’m leaning towards B because I remember something about debris, but it seems like that wouldn’t really explain the tail.

upvoted 0 times

...

Amira

29 days ago

I feel like I’ve seen a question like this before, and it was about how heat affects the comet's materials. A sounds right, but I’m not 100% confident.

upvoted 0 times

...

Tomoko

1 month ago

I think the answer might be A, but I'm not completely sure. I remember something about ice turning into gas when comets get close to the Sun.

upvoted 0 times

...

Von

1 month ago

I'm pretty confident it's A. The evaporation of the comet's icy surface is the main reason for the tail development as it gets closer to the Sun.

upvoted 0 times

...

Gianna

1 month ago

I'm a bit confused on this one. Is it possible that the increasing debris impacts (B) could also lead to the tail formation?

upvoted 0 times

...

Evangelina

2 months ago

Definitely A. The heat from the Sun causes the ice and dust on the comet to evaporate and form the tail.

upvoted 0 times

...

Dean

2 months ago

I'm not totally sure, but I'm leaning towards A or D. The increasing velocity as the comet approaches the Sun could also contribute to the tail development.

upvoted 0 times

...

Louann

2 months ago

Hmm, I think it's probably A. The evaporation of ice and release of dust particles as the comet gets closer to the Sun.

upvoted 0 times

...