What is a comet primarily composed of?

A comet is primarily composed of a frozen mass of gases and dust, which makes it fundamentally distinct from other celestial bodies like asteroids. This composition typically includes water ice, carbon dioxide, ammonia, methane, and other organic compounds, embedded within a framework of dust and rocky material.

The classification of comets as "dirty snowballs" is indicative of the presence of both ice and solid components, which contribute to their unique characteristics. When comets approach the Sun, the heat causes the frozen gases to sublimate, or turn into gas, creating a glowing coma and often a tail that extends away from the Sun due to solar wind. This behavior emphasizes the importance of the gaseous and dusty composition in defining what a comet is and how it interacts with solar radiation.

Other options do not capture the complete essence of a comet's structure. For instance, while rocks and metals are components of asteroids, they do not reflect the icy, gaseous nature of comets. Liquid water is not a primary component in the solid state of comets, and while pure carbon compounds may exist, they do not constitute the main body of a comet. Overall, the description of a comet as a frozen mass of gases and dust accurately represents its fundamental nature and