Question

1.3.2 test (cst): science and engineering
question 20 of 25
what is the best reason a scientist might use a model to represent the solar system?

a. the actual solar system is too small.

b. the actual solar system is too simple.

c. the actual solar system is too large.

d. the actual solar system moves too slowly.

Explanation:

To determine the best reason for using a model of the solar system, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The solar system is extremely large, not small, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: The solar system is complex with many celestial bodies and interactions, not simple, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: The actual solar system is vast (e.g., distances between planets and the Sun are enormous), making it impractical to study directly in its actual size. Models allow scientists to represent and study it at a manageable scale. This is a valid reason.
• Option D: While solar system objects move, the primary reason for using a model is its size, not the speed of movement. Studying movement can be done with simulations or observations over time, but size is the main barrier to direct study. So this is not the best reason.

Answer:

C. The actual solar system is too large.