Two scientists are attempting to determine whether an object is a comet or an asteroid. The table lists the questions they have and their observations.
Question Answer
Where was the object observed? the Oort cloud
What is the object made of? dust and ice
Does the object have a visible tail? no
Based on the observations and answers to the questions, the scientists can conclude that the object is a comet. Comets are typically found in the Oort cloud, are made of dust and ice, and often have visible tails. The fact that this object does not have a visible tail may be an anomaly, but the other characteristics point to it being a comet rather than an asteroid.
Based on the observations provided, here are the steps the scientists can follow to determine whether the object is a comet or an asteroid:
1. Question: Where was the object observed?
Answer: The object was observed in the Oort cloud.
2. Question: What is the object made of?
Answer: The object is made of dust and ice.
3. Question: Does the object have a visible tail?
Answer: No, the object does not have a visible tail.
Based on these observations, the scientists can conclude that the object is most likely a comet. Comets are typically composed of dust and ice and often originate from the Oort cloud. The lack of a visible tail suggests that the object may not be currently active or that it is not close enough to a heat source (like the Sun) to cause the ice to vaporize and form a visible trail.
Based on the observations and questions, the scientists can make an inference about whether the object is a comet or an asteroid.
1. Observation: The object was observed in the Oort cloud.
Inference: The Oort cloud is a region of space where comets are believed to originate. Therefore, it is more likely that the object is a comet.
2. Observation: The object is made of dust and ice.
Inference: Comets are composed of dust and ice, while asteroids are typically made of rock and metal. This observation further suggests that the object is a comet.
3. Observation: The object does not have a visible tail.
Inference: Comets are known for their distinct tails, which are formed when the heat of the Sun causes the ice in the comet to vaporize and create a glowing coma and tail. Since the object does not have a visible tail, it is less likely to be a comet.
Based on the observations and inferences, the scientists can conclude that the object is more likely to be an asteroid rather than a comet.