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Difficulty: EasyFormulating and Modifying Hypotheses

A student hypothesized that planets located farther from the Sun have shorter orbital periods. The student gathered average orbital data for four planets:

PlanetAverage Distance from Sun (AU)Orbital Period (years)
Mercury0.390.24
Venus0.720.62
Earth1.001.00
Mars1.521.88

Based on these data, how should the student modify their hypothesis?

  1. Modify the hypothesis to state that planets farther from the Sun have longer orbital periods, because orbital period increases as distance increases.Answer
  2. B
    Keep the hypothesis as is, because Mars is farther from the Sun and has the longest orbital period.
  3. C
    Modify the hypothesis to state that distance from the Sun has no effect on a planet's orbital period.
  4. D
    Modify the hypothesis to state that as distance increases, orbital period decreases at a constant rate.

Answer

Modify the hypothesis to state that planets farther from the Sun have longer orbital periods, because orbital period increases as distance increases.
The correct answer is correct because the data in the table shows that as distance from the Sun increases (from 0.39 AU0.39\text{ AU} to 1.52 AU1.52\text{ AU}), the orbital period also increases (from 0.24 years0.24\text{ years} to 1.88 years1.88\text{ years}). Therefore, the student must modify the hypothesis to reflect this direct relationship.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the student's original hypothesis.
The original hypothesis states that planets farther from the Sun have shorter orbital periods.
To evaluate a hypothesis, we must first understand the relationship it proposes (farther distance →\rightarrow shorter period).
2
Examine the data table to identify the actual relationship.
As distance increases from 0.39 AU0.39\text{ AU} to 1.52 AU1.52\text{ AU}, the orbital period increases from 0.24 years0.24\text{ years} to 1.88 years1.88\text{ years}.
This establishes the empirical relationship shown by the experimental data (larger distance →\rightarrow longer period).
3
Compare the data trend with the original hypothesis to determine the necessary modification.
The data contradicts the original hypothesis, showing a direct relationship instead of an inverse one. Thus, the hypothesis must be modified to state that planets farther from the Sun have longer orbital periods.
Hypotheses must be updated to align with observed scientific evidence.

Key Concept

Formulating and Modifying Hypotheses
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Formulating and Modifying Hypotheses

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