Question

When would the tail of a comet appear to become longer?

As it gets closer to the sun
As it gets farther from the sun
As it gets close to earth
As it gets farther from earth

Answer 1

The tail of a comet would appear to become longer **as it gets closer to the Sun**. As a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ices within the comet to sublimate, creating gas and dust that form the tail. This process becomes more pronounced as the comet gets nearer to the Sun, causing the tail to expand and become more visible. The tail always points away from the Sun due to the solar wind and radiation pressure.