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Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu.

Cedric gathered information about space objects from a reliable website. The information is shown in the table.

\begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|l|}
\hline
& \multicolumn{1}{|c|}{Space Object A} & \multicolumn{1}{|c|}{Space Object B} & \multicolumn{1}{c|}{Space Object C} \\
\hline
Composition & rocks and some metals & mostly frozen nitrogen & mostly hydrogen and helium gas, no solids \\
\hline
Orbital period & [tex]$3-6$[/tex] years & 247.68 years & 226 million years \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

Space object [tex]$A$[/tex] is ____________.



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
To identify space object A based on its given characteristics, we need to understand the relationship between its composition and orbital period.

Here's the detailed analysis:

1. Composition of Space Object A:
- Space object A is composed of rocks and some metals. This type of composition is typically found in either asteroids or some types of comets.

2. Orbital Period of Space Object A:
- The orbital period of space object A is between 3 to 6 years. This range is common for both comets in short-period orbits and some asteroids that are relatively closer to the Sun.

Putting these two key pieces of information together:
- The composition (rocks and some metals) fits the description of asteroids, but it can also fit certain types of comets which are distinguished by having both rocky and metallic components.
- The orbital period (3-6 years) aligns well with the orbital periods of short-period comets, which typically have orbits that bring them closer to the Sun more frequently, but it can also describe the orbits of certain asteroids within the asteroid belt.

Therefore, considering both the composition and the orbital period, space object A can either be a comet or an asteroid. So, the correct answer is:

Space object A is:
- Comet or Asteroid

Make this selection from the given drop-down menu.