If the Earth is modeled with a diameter of 32 inches, what should be the diameter of a model of Pluto?

To determine the diameter of a model of Pluto when the Earth is modeled with a diameter of 32 inches, we first need to understand the ratio of the diameters of Earth and Pluto.

The actual diameter of Earth is about 12,742 km, while Pluto’s diameter is approximately 2,377 km. To find the scale ratio, you can divide the diameter of Pluto by the diameter of Earth:

[

\text{Scale Ratio} = \frac{\text{Diameter of Pluto}}{\text{Diameter of Earth}} = \frac{2,377 \text{ km}}{12,742 \text{ km}} \approx 0.186

]

Now, applying this ratio to the model where Earth has a diameter of 32 inches:

[

\text{Diameter of Model Pluto} = \text{Diameter of Earth Model} \times \text{Scale Ratio}

]

[

\text{Diameter of Model Pluto} = 32 \text{ inches} \times 0.186 \approx 5.95 \text{ inches}

]

This calculation demonstrates that the model of Pluto should be around 6 inches in diameter. Therefore, this option closely aligns with the result obtained from