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)
630 cm
28.5 cm
570 cm
1.5.cm
To find the maximum distance between Mars and Neptune in the scale model, we need to find the distance between two planets when they are on directly opposite sides of the sun.
Since 1 AU is represented by 20 cm in the scale model, the distance between Mars and the sun is 1.5 AU * 20 cm/AU = 30 cm. (Given)
Similarly, since Neptune is 30 AU away from the sun, its distance from the sun in the scale model would be 30 AU * 20 cm/AU = 600 cm.
To find the maximum distance between Mars and Neptune, we subtract the distance of Mars from the sun from the distance of Neptune 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.