Question

question 3.
jupiter: 5.2 au
saturn: 9.5 au
uranus: 19.2 au
neptune: 30.1 au
(1 au = earths distance from sun)
which statement best describes the pattern of distances between planets in our solar system?
a. planets are spaced at equal distances from each other
b. inner planets are closely spaced, with increasing gaps between outer planets
c. all planets maintain similar distances from each other
d. inner planets have large gaps, while outer planets are closely spaced.

Explanation:

Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: The distances between the planets (e.g., Mars - Jupiter: \(5.2 - 1.5=3.7\) AU, Jupiter - Saturn: \(9.5 - 5.2 = 4.3\) AU) are not equal.
• Option B: Inner planets (e.g., Mars at \(1.5\) AU) are relatively close. As we move to outer planets (e.g., from Saturn (\(9.5\) AU) to Uranus (\(19.2\) AU), the gap \(19.2-9.5 = 9.7\) AU; from Uranus to Neptune, the gap \(30.1 - 19.2=10.9\) AU), the gaps increase.
• Option C: The gaps between planets (e.g., Mars - Jupiter \(3.7\) AU, Jupiter - Saturn \(4.3\) AU) are not similar.
• Option D: Inner planets have smaller gaps (e.g., Mercury - Venus, Venus - Earth, Earth - Mars) compared to outer planets.

Answer:

B. Inner planets are closely spaced, with increasing gaps between outer planets