Question

1. what is the difference between a short-period comet and a long-period comet?

a short-period comet burns up once it enters earth’s atmosphere; a long-period comet does not burn up in earth’s atmosphere and crashes onto the surface of earth
a long-period comet orbits the sun and originates in the kuiper belt. in contrast, a short-period comet orbits the sun and originates in the oort cloud
both long - term and short - term comets orbit the sun; however, a long - term comet eventually turns into a dwarf planet and a short - term comet does not
a short - period comet has a shorter orbit around the sun and originates in the kuiper belt. in contrast, a long - period comet has a longer orbit around the sun and originates in the oort cloud

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option A: Comets don't necessarily burn up in Earth's atmosphere or crash onto Earth just based on period; this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option B: Long - period comets originate in the Oort Cloud, short - period in the Kuiper Belt. This option has them reversed, so it's wrong.
3. Analyze Option C: Comets don't turn into dwarf planets, so this is incorrect.
4. Analyze Option D: Short - period comets have shorter orbital periods (orbit the Sun more quickly) and come from the Kuiper Belt. Long - period comets have longer orbital periods and come from the Oort Cloud. This matches the correct scientific understanding.

Answer:

D. A short - period comet has a shorter orbit around the sun and originates in the Kuiper Belt. In contrast, a long - period comet has a longer orbit around the sun and originates in the Oort Cloud.