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density icon. purple background . image shows tightly packed molecules.

Background on Planet Density

Density versus Volume chart. Less Mess More Mass Less Voume and More Volume
image of a scientist
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 average density of your exoplanet.

Density Checkpoint refresher

Planet Mass Planet Radius Planet Period Host Star Data Planet Volume Star Radius & Mass Planet Density Distance From Star Planet Composition In The Habitable Zone? Could This Planet Support Life?

Task 3: Collaborate with the Radius Team to Determine the Average Density and Composition of the Planet

Follow the instructions below and work with the Radius team to find the planet's average density.
First, send the following message to get the planet volume from the Radius team. Click here for instructions on how to send messages.

“Mass team to Radius team. The Mass team requests the planet volume from the Radius team.”

While you wait...

Complete the following checkpoint to practice comparing densities of different planets.

Once you have received the planet volume, send the following message in the chat.

“Mass team to Radius team. Data received. Thank you.”
Input your value for planet volume in cell B3 of the Google Sheet.
The planet’s average density will be calculated automatically in the Google Sheet based on the formula below. The solution will appear in both Earth units (cell B4) and g/cm3 (cell B5).
 
denisty equation. Density equals mass divided volume
 
Check your work.

Once you have calculated a solution, send the following message to the Radius team. Click here for instructions on how to send messages.

“Mass team to Radius team. Our solution for the planet's average density is ___ grams per centimeter cubed. Please confirm.” (Fill in your answer in the blank.)

You will receive a similar message from the Radius team asking you to confirm their solution, as well. Check that the Radius team’s solution is the same as your solution for the planet's average density.

If you AGREE with the radius team’s solution...

If you AGREE with the Radius team’s solution and your answers are the same, send the following message in the chat:

“Mass team to Radius team. Planet's average density solution confirmed.”

If you DISAGREE with the radius team’s solution...

If you DISAGREE with the Radius team’s solution, unmute yourself and work together with the Radius team to check your calculations. If you are unable to find the error and cannot come up with the same answer, ask the Flight Director for assistance.

*How to ask for help.

Planet Mass Planet Radius Planet Period Host Star Data Planet Volume Star Radius & Mass Planet Density Distance From Star Planet Composition In The Habitable Zone? Could This Planet Support Life?
Use the form below to select the planet composition based on the planet’s average density

planet composition

Why is planet composition important? Watch the clip below for a reminder.
image of a scientist
Whether or not your exoplanet can support liquid water may be a critical factor in asking for James Webb Space Telescope observation. Planets that can support liquid water could potentially support life.
Planet Mass Planet Radius Planet Period Host Star Data Planet Volume Star Radius & Mass Planet Density Distance From Star Planet Composition In The Habitable Zone? Could This Planet Support Life?
image of a scientist with confetti in the background
Congratulations, your hard work has revealed critical information about your exoplanet! Only one final task remains. It is now time to work together with all other members of your team to craft a creative and compelling request for your exoplanet to be studied by the James Webb Space Telescope.