Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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Prepare for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed in your certification.

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What are comets primarily composed of?

Rock and metal
Frozen gases and dust
Hot plasma
Liquid water

The correct answer is: Frozen gases and dust

Comets are primarily composed of frozen gases and dust, which is often referred to as "dirty snowballs." This composition includes water ice, along with other frozen volatile substances such as carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes these frozen materials to sublimate, turning from solid to gas. This process creates a glowing coma around the nucleus and often produces a tail that points away from the Sun. This distinguishes comets from asteroids, which are mostly made up of rock and metal.