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 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.
To solve this question, let's start by establishing the scale of the model. We know that in the scale model, 1 astronomical unit (AU) is represented by 20 cm.
Given that Mars is 1.5 AU away from the sun, in the model it appears at a distance of 30 cm from the sun. This implies that 1.5 AU corresponds to 30 cm in the model.
Using this information, we can calculate the distance covered by 1 AU:
1 AU = 30 cm / 1.5 AU
1 AU = 20 cm
Now, we need to determine the distance between Mars and Neptune in the model. We know that Neptune is 30 AU away from the sun. Using the established scale, we can calculate the distance in the model:
Distance between Mars and Neptune = 30 AU * 20 cm/AU
Distance between Mars and Neptune = 600 cm
Therefore, in the scale model of the solar system, the maximum possible distance that can be drawn between Mars and Neptune is 600 cm.