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.
A:1.5 cm
B:570 cm
C:28.5 cm
D:630 cm
To determine the maximum possible distance that can be drawn between Mars and Neptune in the scale model, we need to find the distance in the model that corresponds to the actual distance between the two planets in the solar system.
In the scale model, 1 AU is represented by 20 cm. Therefore, the actual distance between Mars and Neptune can be calculated as follows:
Distance between Mars and Neptune in the solar system = (30 AU - 1.5 AU) = 28.5 AU
Now we need to find the corresponding distance in the scale model:
Distance in the scale model = 28.5 AU * 20 cm/AU = 570 cm
Therefore, the maximum possible distance that can be drawn between Mars and Neptune in the scale model is 570 cm.
The correct answer is B: 570 cm.