To accurately identify the correct characteristics of a comet, let's evaluate each response option:
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No solid surface - This is correct. Comets do not have a solid surface like rocky planets; they are typically composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.
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A space rock that has a light or fire tail - This is partially correct. Comets are indeed associated with tails that form when they approach the Sun, but they are not considered "space rocks" in the conventional sense; they are better described as icy bodies.
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All of these are correct - This would only be correct if all the individual statements are true.
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The orbit of a comet often takes much longer - This is correct. Many comets have long orbital periods, ranging from years to thousands of years.
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Ball of ice and dirt that orbits the sun - This is correct. Comets are often described as "dirty snowballs," consisting of ice, dust, and other organic compounds.
Given these evaluations, the responses that apply are:
- No solid surface
- The orbit of a comet often takes much longer
- Ball of ice and dirt that orbits the sun
Therefore, the appropriate selections are:
- No solid surface
- The orbit of a comet often takes much longer
- Ball of ice and dirt that orbits the sun
The only statement that is not entirely correct is "a space rock that has a light or fire tail" since while comets develop tails due to solar radiation and wind, they are not accurately described just as "space rocks." The option "all of these are correct" is also not correct because of this.