Comets

Definition

Comets are icy celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, characterized by a glowing coma and tail when near the Sun. The interaction of solar radiation with a comet's material results in radiation pressure and momentum transfer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Comets exhibit radiation pressure due to the interaction between their material and solar radiation.
2. Radiation pressure on comets can influence their trajectories and cause changes in their orbits.
3. The momentum transferred from electromagnetic waves to a comet contributes to its motion and tail formation.
4. A comet's ion tail points directly away from the Sun, influenced by the solar wind and electromagnetic forces.
5. The study of comets helps understand the principles of electromagnetic wave interactions with matter.

Review Questions

• How does radiation pressure affect a comet's trajectory?
• What role does momentum transfer play in the formation of a comet's tail?
• Why does a comet's ion tail always point away from the Sun?

Related terms

Radiation Pressure: The force exerted by electromagnetic radiation on objects, impacting their motion.

Solar Wind: A stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun, affecting comets' tails.

Electromagnetic Waves: $$\text{Waves composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which propagate through space.}$$