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Background on Planet Density

Density chart. Showing circles in a space with Less Mass More Mass Less Volume and More Volume
Remember what you learned about density at the beginning of this task card? Now it is time to take the data you collected to find the density of your exoplanet.

Task 3 : Collaborate with planet mass team to find planet density

Send the following message to the MASS team:
“Radius team is ready to collaborate with MASS team to find planet density”

Follow the instructions below and work with the MASS team to find the planet density
  1. Open the Jamboard located here. You should also unmute yourself to discuss.
  2. Input the planet volume information from task #2 in the box labeled ‘volume’.
  3. The MASS team will input the planet mass information into the box labeled ‘mass’
  4. Calculate the planet density.

    a. recall that density equals mass over volume

  5. Check your answers with the MASS team’s calculations. If the answers are the same, you may move on to the next step. If the answers are different, work with the MASS team to check your calculations and redo the equation. If you are unable to find the error and cannot come up with the same answer, ask the flight director for assistance.
Image of a flow chart reads Planet Mass Planet Radius Planet Period Star Type Planet Volume Star Mass Planet Density Distance From Star Planet Composition Habitable Zone Could the exoplanet candidate support life?
Use the chart below to select the planet type based on planet density
[time code]from original density video
Whether or not your exoplanet can support liquid water will be critical in forming a pitch for follow up study on the James Webb Space Telescope. Planets that can support liquid water could potentially support life.
Image of a flow chart reads Planet Mass Planet Radius Planet Period Star Type Planet Volume Star Mass Planet Density Distance From Star Planet Composition Habitable Zone Could the exoplanet candidate support life?
Move on to the Final Task