Which shows a comet, meteorite, and meteor in order from smallest to largest?
A.
meteor, comet, meteorite
B.
comet, meteorite, meteor
C.
meteorite, meteor, comet
D.
meteor, meteorite, comet
C. meteorite, meteor, comet
The correct order from smallest to largest is:
B.
comet, meteorite, meteor
To determine the correct order from smallest to largest among a comet, meteorite, and meteor, we need to understand what each of these terms refers to:
1. Meteor: A meteor is a small solid object that enters Earth's atmosphere from space. As it moves through the atmosphere, it heats up due to friction with the air, leading to a glowing streak of light called a shooting star. Meteors are relatively small in size and typically burn up completely before reaching the Earth's surface.
2. Meteorite: A meteorite is a fragment of a meteoroid (a smaller celestial body) or asteroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and impacts the Earth's surface. Meteorites can range in size from small pebbles to large boulders, depending on the original size of the meteoroid or asteroid.
3. Comet: A comet is a celestial object consisting of a nucleus composed of ice, dust, and small rocky particles. When a comet approaches the sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma (a cloud of gas and dust) and a tail that extends away from the sun. Comets are larger than meteors and meteorites, with a typical nucleus size ranging from a few kilometers to tens of kilometers.
Now that we understand the definitions, let's consider the options:
A. meteor, comet, meteorite: This order is incorrect because it places the meteor (the smallest object) first, followed by the comet, and then the meteorite.
B. comet, meteorite, meteor: This order is also incorrect as it places the comet (the largest object) first, followed by the meteorite, and then the meteor.
C. meteorite, meteor, comet: This order is the correct one. It starts with the meteorite (the smallest object) first, followed by the meteor, and then the comet.
D. meteor, meteorite, comet: This order is incorrect since it places the meteor (the smallest object) first, followed by the meteorite, and then the comet.
Therefore, the correct order from smallest to largest is C. meteorite, meteor, comet.