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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? It's time to take the data you collected to find the average density of your exoplanet.

Final Request Tip

The planet density is a key part of your final request to the James Webb Team. If you want to give your request a good chance of being accepted, think about why planets of certain densities would be interesting to study. For example if your planet is a similar density to Jupiter, studying it may help scientists understand more about Jupiter. There is no single correct answer so try to be creative and keep an open mind!

Density Checkpoint Refresher

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?

Task 3: Collaborate with Planet Mass Team to Find Average Planet Density

Follow the instructions below and work with the Mass team to find the planet density.
First, send the following message in the chat to receive the planet mass from the Mass team. Click here for instructions on how to send messages.

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

While you wait...

Once you have received the planet mass, send the following message in the chat:

“Radius team to Mass team. Data received. Thank you.”
Input the planet mass into cell B2 of the Google Sheet below.

Next, input your value for planet volume in cell B3 of the Google Sheet below.

The planet's average density will be calculated automatically based on the following formula. The solution will appear in both Earth units (cell B4) and g/cm3 (cell B5).
 
density equals mass divided by volume
 
Check Your Work

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

“Radius team to Mass team. Our solution for the planet’s average density is ____ grams per centimeter cubed. Please confirm.” (Fill in your answer from the cell B5 in the blank.)

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

If you AGREE with the mass team’s solution:

If you AGREE with the Mass team's solution, send the following message in the chat.
Click here for instructions on how to send messages.

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

If you DISAGREE with the mass team’s solution:

If you DISAGREE with the Mass team’s solution, unmute yourself and work together with the Mass 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.

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 form below to select the planet composition based on the planet's average density.

Planet Composition

Why is the planet's composition important? Watch the following clip for a reminder.
Whether or not your exoplanet can support liquid water will be crucial information for your team consider when creating your request for observation by the James Webb Space Telescope. Planets that can support liquid water could potentially support life.

What do the density and composition of your exoplanet reveal?

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?
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.