Question

gravity is important not only for life on earth, but for the makeup of the entire galaxy. gravity holds our solar system and galaxy together and is responsible for orbital motions within them. the diagram shows the order of planets orbits based on distance from the sun, while the chart provides numerical distances from the sun. compare the diagram and chart and think about each planets orbital pattern and distance from the sun. based on the information given, what conclusion can be drawn about diagram?
a the farther out from the sun, the greater a planets gravitational pull
b the planets in the solar system are about the same distance from one another
c the planets order from the sun is based on their size, from smallest to largest
d the diagram does not accurately represent the distances of planets from the sun

Explanation:

• Option A: Gravitational pull depends on mass, not just distance from the Sun. For example, Mercury is closer to the Sun than Venus but has a smaller gravitational pull (in reality, Venus has a stronger gravitational pull than Mercury).
• Option B: The chart shows different distances (e.g., Mercury - 36, Venus - 67.2, Earth - 93 etc.), so planets are not at the same distance.
• Option C: The order in the chart (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) is not based on size. For example, Jupiter is much larger than Mars but comes after Mars in the order.
• Option D: In a typical diagram (like a simple illustration), the distances are not to scale. For example, the actual distances (as per the chart: Neptune is at 2794.4, which is much larger than the relative distances shown in a simple diagram).

Answer:

D. The diagram does not accurately represent the distances of planets from the Sun.