To determine which planet would have a diameter of approximately 12 cm in the student's scale model where 1 cm represents 10,000 kilometers, we can calculate the corresponding diameter in kilometers.
1 cm = 10,000 km
Therefore, 12 cm would represent:
12 cm × 10,000 km/cm = 120,000 km
Next, we need to compare this value with the actual diameters of the planets.
- Mars: Approximately 6,779 km in diameter
- Jupiter: Approximately 139,820 km in diameter
- Earth: Approximately 12,742 km in diameter
- Saturn: Approximately 116,460 km in diameter
Since 120,000 km is closest to the diameter of Saturn (116,460 km), the correct answer is:
Saturn