Solar System Distances Quick Check

Question

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Question
Use this paragraph: In a scale model of the solar system, the sun is placed at the center and the planets are shown orbiting in circles around it. Mars is 1.5 AU away from the sun and in the model, it appears at 30 cm from it which means that 1 AU = 20 cm. Likewise, Neptune is 30 AU away from the sun.

What is the maximum possible distance that can be drawn between Mars and Neptune in the scale model? Hint: Two planets are as far apart as possible when they are on directly opposite sides of the sun from each other. Draw a picture with the planets as far apart as possible.

(1 point)

570 cm

1.5 cm

28.5 cm

630 cm

Answer 1

To find the maximum possible distance between Mars and Neptune in the scale model, we can use the given information that 1 AU is equal to 20 cm.

Mars is 1.5 AU away from the sun, so in the scale model, it appears at 1.5 AU * 20 cm/AU = 30 cm from the sun.

Neptune is 30 AU away from the sun, so in the scale model, it appears at 30 AU * 20 cm/AU = 600 cm from the sun.

To find the maximum possible distance between Mars and Neptune in the scale model, we can subtract their distances from the sun:

600 cm - 30 cm = 570 cm

Therefore, the maximum possible distance that can be drawn between Mars and Neptune in the scale model is 570 cm. Answer: \boxed{570 \text{ cm}}.

Answer 2

Solar System Scale Quick Check
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Question
A student uses a diagram to show the scale sizes of the planets. Which planet’s diameter would be approximately the distance across the United States?(1 point)
Responses

Mercury
Mercury

Neptune
Neptune

Jupiter
Jupiter

Uranus