Step-by-step explanation:
As a comet approaches the sun, it develops two different types of tails: a gas tail (also called an ion tail) and a dust tail. Here's how each tail behaves:
1. Gas tail (Ion tail): This tail is formed by gas and dust particles that are ionized by the extreme heat of the sun. The highly charged ions are pushed away from the sun by the solar wind and form a long, straight tail that points directly away from the sun. The gas tail is usually bluish in color and can extend up to millions of kilometers in length.
2. Dust tail: This tail is formed by larger particles of dust that are released from the comet's nucleus. As the comet gets closer to the sun, the solar radiation heats up the dust and causes it to reflect sunlight, creating a bright glowing tail. The dust tail is usually yellowish in color and can also extend up to millions of kilometers in length.
Both tails point away from the sun, but the gas tail is more straight and narrow while the dust tail tends to be broader and more diffuse. The behavior of the tails can also be affected by the orientation of the comet's orbit relative to the plane of the solar system, as well as the size and composition of the particles in the tails.