Download Solar System Distance Model Answer Key

Solar System Distance Model
Do Not Write on this sheet.
Can you design and create a model that will demonstrate the distances in the
solar system?
Goal
Both partners need to design their own table of scale distances and then
together model the distances between and among the Sun and the planets.
Copy and complete the table on the next page.
Possible Materials
Meterstick, scissors, pencil, colored markers, string (several meters), notebook,
graph or plain paper (several sheets).
Make a Model
1.
2.
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5.
List the steps that you need to take to make your model. Describe
exactly what you will do at each step.
List the materials that you will need to complete your model.
Describe the calculations that you will use to get scale distances from
the Sun for all eight planets.
Make a table of scale distances you will use in your model. Show your
calculations in your table.
Write a description of how you will build your model, explaining how it
will demonstrate relative distances between and among the Sun and
planets of the solar system.
Test Your Model
6.
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9.
Compare your scale distances with your partner. Discuss why each of
you chose the scale you did.
Make sure your teacher approves your plan before you start.
Construct the model using your scale distances.
While constructing the model, write any observations that you or your
partner make, and complete on your own data tables. Calculate the
distances that would be used in your model if 1 AU = 2 m. You can
use the table below as an example.
Data and Observations
Create you own scale.
Hint: numbers for distance scale; 1 AU = 10 cm.
Planet
Distance to
Sun (km)
Distance to
Sun (AU)
Mercury
5.97 × 107
0.39
Venus
1.08 × 108
0.72
Earth
1.50 × 108
1.00
Mars
2.28 × 108
1.52
Jupiter
7.78 × 108
5.20
Saturn
1.43 × 109
9.54
Uranus
2.87 × 109
19.19
Neptune
4.50 × 109
30.07
Scale
Distance
Scale
Distance (1
AU = 2 m)
Analyze and Your Data
1.
2.
3.
4.
Explain how a scale distance is determined by multiplying the AU
distance of planets by the scale selected.
Was it possible to work with your scale? Explain why or why not.
How much string would be required to construct a model with a scale
distance of 1 AU = 2 m?
Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the Sun, is 270,000 AU from the
Sun. Using your scale, how much string would you need to place this
star on your model?
Conclude and Apply
Summarize your observations about distances in the solar system:
1. How are distances between the inner planets different from distances
between the outer planets?
2. Why do you think the planets' orbits vary this way as you move out from
the Sun?
3. Using your scale distances, determine which planet orbits closest to Earth.
Which planet's orbit is second closest?