Question

part e
what problems might you face when modeling the sun and the revolving planets to the same scale? what assumptions might you have to make in your model?

Explanation:

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<reasoning>

Identify scale limitations

Using the Scientific Modeling and Proportional Scaling knowledge points, we analyze the vast physical differences in the solar system. The primary challenge is that the physical sizes of the planets and the Sun are extremely small compared to the immense distances between them. If you use a single scale factor for both size and distance, a model where the planets are large enough to be visible would require a distance scale spanning several kilometers. Conversely, if the model fits inside a classroom, the planets would be microscopic.

Address modeling assumptions

Using the Scientific Modeling knowledge point, we identify the simplifying assumptions required to build a practical representation. To make the model feasible, we must assume that size and distance can be modeled on two different scales (non-proportional scaling). Additionally, we often assume circular orbits instead of elliptical ones, and that all planets lie perfectly on a flat, two-dimensional plane to simplify the layout.
</reasoning>

<answer>
When modeling the Sun and the planets to the same scale, the primary problem is the extreme difference between the sizes of the celestial bodies and the vast distances between them. If you scale the distances to fit within a reasonable space (like a room), the planets become too small to see. If you scale the planets to be visible, the model's physical boundaries must span kilometers.

To overcome this, you must assume:

1. Dual-scaling: Using one scale for the sizes of the bodies and a different scale for the orbital distances.
2. Simplified orbits: Assuming circular orbits instead of elliptical ones.
3. Coplanar orbits: Assuming all planets orbit in a single flat plane.

</answer>

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Answer:

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<reasoning>

Identify scale limitations

Using the Scientific Modeling and Proportional Scaling knowledge points, we analyze the vast physical differences in the solar system. The primary challenge is that the physical sizes of the planets and the Sun are extremely small compared to the immense distances between them. If you use a single scale factor for both size and distance, a model where the planets are large enough to be visible would require a distance scale spanning several kilometers. Conversely, if the model fits inside a classroom, the planets would be microscopic.

Address modeling assumptions

Using the Scientific Modeling knowledge point, we identify the simplifying assumptions required to build a practical representation. To make the model feasible, we must assume that size and distance can be modeled on two different scales (non-proportional scaling). Additionally, we often assume circular orbits instead of elliptical ones, and that all planets lie perfectly on a flat, two-dimensional plane to simplify the layout.
</reasoning>

<answer>
When modeling the Sun and the planets to the same scale, the primary problem is the extreme difference between the sizes of the celestial bodies and the vast distances between them. If you scale the distances to fit within a reasonable space (like a room), the planets become too small to see. If you scale the planets to be visible, the model's physical boundaries must span kilometers.

To overcome this, you must assume:

1. Dual-scaling: Using one scale for the sizes of the bodies and a different scale for the orbital distances.
2. Simplified orbits: Assuming circular orbits instead of elliptical ones.
3. Coplanar orbits: Assuming all planets orbit in a single flat plane.

</answer>

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