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)
Responses
28.5 cm
28.5 cm
630 cm
630 cm
1.5 cm
1.5 cm
570 cm
To determine the maximum possible distance that can be drawn between Mars and Neptune in the scale model, we need to know the scale being used and the actual distances of the planets from the Sun.
Assuming the scale is the standard astronomical unit (AU), where 1 AU is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun (about 149.6 million km or 93 million miles), we'll use the average distances of Mars and Neptune from the Sun to calculate the scale distance:
- Mars is approximately 1.5 AU from the Sun.
- Neptune is approximately 30 AU from the Sun.
When the two planets are on directly opposite sides of the Sun, their maximum possible distance apart in their orbits can be found by adding their individual distances from the Sun:
Maximum distance (in AU) = Distance from Sun to Mars + Distance from Sun to Neptune
Maximum distance (in AU) = 1.5 AU + 30 AU
Maximum distance (in AU) = 31.5 AU
Without knowing the specific scale used in centimeters per astronomical unit, the above calculation is in astronomical units. The question provides potential answers in centimeters. We would convert the astronomical units to centimeters using the given scale.
However, none of the provided answers match the AU calculation we just did—none of them are equal to 31.5 AU when using a reasonable scale. If we had a scale where 1 AU equals 1 cm, the distance would be 31.5 cm, but this is not one of the options given.
To match one of the provided answers, we would need to find the scale used for the model. If the scale were such that each AU corresponds to 1 cm, the distance could be 31.5 cm, but since it is not listed, we need to check against the provided options. The distances (28.5 cm, 1.5 cm, 630 cm, 570 cm) do not match the calculated 31.5 AU directly without knowing the scale applied. Since we are not provided with a scale or expected to infer it, and none of the given options match when using the most basic 1 AU = 1 cm scale, the question appears to lack the necessary information to pick the correct answer from the provided choices.
Please check if there is additional information on the scale used in the model to determine the correct answer. If the question refers to an actual scale model you are using or have been learning about, the scale factor will be crucial to calculate the correct maximum distance in centimeters.