Question

shari uses the data in the table to predict how her weight on venus would compare with her weight on earth.
table with columns: (blank), venus, earth; rows: mass (×10²⁴ kg) (4.87, 5.97), gravitational acceleration (m/s²) (8.9, 9.8), distance from sun (×10⁶ km) (108.2, 149.6), diameter (km) (12,104, 12,756)
which is the best prediction shari could make?
○ her weight is greater on venus because venus has less mass.
○ her weight is lower on venus because the acceleration due to gravity is lower.
○ her weight is lower on earth because it is farther from the sun.
○ her weight is greater on venus because venus has a smaller diameter.

Explanation:

1. Recall the formula for weight: $W = mg$, where $m$ is mass (constant for a person) and $g$ is gravitational acceleration.
2. Compare $g$ for Venus ($8.9\ m/s^2$) and Earth ($9.8\ m/s^2$): Venus has lower $g$.
3. Since $m$ is constant, lower $g$ means lower $W$.
4. Analyze other options:

• Option A: Less mass of Venus does not directly imply greater weight (weight depends on $g$, not just planet mass).
• Option C: Distance from Sun does not affect weight (weight depends on planetary gravity, not Sun distance).
• Option D: Smaller diameter of Venus does not directly mean greater weight (weight depends on $g$, not just diameter).

Answer:

B. Her weight is lower on Venus because the acceleration due to gravity is lower.