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

Why do comets develop tails when they are near the Sun?
A) The evaporation of ice and the release of dust particles
B) The increasing rate of debris impacts as the comet approaches the Sun
C) The combustion of flammable compounds in its atmosphere
D) The increasing velocity as the comet approaches the Sun

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

Actual exam question for WGU's WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) exam
Question #: 6
Topic #: 1
[All WGU Integrated Physical Sciences (MTC1) Questions]

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

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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

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Paz
2 months ago
C is unlikely, right? Comets are mostly ice.
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Theodora
2 months ago
B sounds interesting, but I lean towards A.
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Francoise
3 months ago
I agree, A makes sense. Dust particles get released.
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Shakira
3 months ago
I think it's A! Ice evaporates near the Sun.
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Tyra
3 months ago
I’m surprised people think it’s combustion, that’s just wrong.
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Gerald
3 months ago
B makes no sense, debris impacts don’t create tails!
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Stephania
3 months ago
Wait, I thought it was just the heat from the Sun?
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Adaline
3 months ago
Totally agree, A is definitely the right answer.
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Dusti
4 months ago
It's all about the ice melting and dust being released!
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Delbert
4 months ago
A) The evaporation of ice and the release of dust particles? That's the coolest answer, no doubt!
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Vallie
4 months ago
D) The increasing velocity as the comet approaches the Sun? That's not the reason for the tail formation, my friend.
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Danica
5 months ago
C) The combustion of flammable compounds in its atmosphere? Seriously? Comets are not fireballs, you know.
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Bernardo
5 months ago
B) The increasing rate of debris impacts as the comet approaches the Sun? Nah, that's not how comets work, mate.
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Merilyn
5 months 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.
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Sharika
5 months 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.
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Candra
5 months ago
I’m leaning towards B because I remember something about debris, but it seems like that wouldn’t really explain the tail.
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Amira
6 months 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.
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Tomoko
6 months 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.
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Von
6 months 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.
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Gianna
6 months 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?
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Evangelina
6 months ago
Definitely A. The heat from the Sun causes the ice and dust on the comet to evaporate and form the tail.
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Dean
6 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.
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Louann
7 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.
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Johna
11 days ago
Definitely! Dust particles create that beautiful tail.
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Man
16 days ago
Yeah, the ice melting is a big factor.
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Tawanna
2 months ago
I agree, A makes the most sense!
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