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Here are some words and phrases that describe a group of planets in our solar system. Which one does not belong with the others?

a) terrestrial planets
b) gas giants
c) dwarf planets
d) comets

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The term 'comets' does not belong with 'terrestrial planets,' 'gas giants,' and 'dwarf planets' as it refers to objects composed mainly of frozen gases, whereas the others categorize planets in the solar system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves identifying the term that does not fit with the others in the context of categorizing planets within our solar system. The terms given are terrestrial planets, gas giants, dwarf planets, and comets. Terrestrial planets refer to the four planets closest to the Sun - Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars - which are composed primarily of rock and metal and have solid surfaces. Gas giants refer to the larger planets like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, which are mostly composed of liquids and gases. Dwarf planets such as Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake are large objects that also orbit the Sun but do not fit neatly into the category of traditional planets due to their size and the characteristics of their orbits. Comets, however, are distinct from these categories as they are composed mostly of frozen gases and do not fall into the category of planets. Hence, the term 'comets' does not belong with the other categories that describe groups of planets.

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