What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

Asteroids and comets are both small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, but they have distinct differences based on their composition. Asteroids are primarily composed of rocky and metallic materials. They are found mainly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and are remnants from the early solar system that never formed into planets. In contrast, comets are made up of ice, dust, and rocky materials, which is why they are often described as "dirty snowballs." When comets approach the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize and create a glowing coma and sometimes a tail, which is a characteristic feature of comets. This fundamental difference in composition – rocky for asteroids and icy for comets – is the key distinguishing factor in understanding their nature and behavior in our solar system.