Final answer:
The model is similar due to the ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is c) The model is similar due to the ratio.
To demonstrate why the model is similar to the object, we need to understand what the ratio represents. The ratio of 1:9.6 means that for every 1 unit of measurement in the object, there are 9.6 units of measurement in the replica. So, if we compare the measurements of the object and the replica, we can see that the replica's measurements are approximately 1/9.6 of the object's measurements. This shows that the replica is a scaled-down version of the object, maintaining the same proportions and shape. Therefore, the model is similar to the object because the ratio accurately represents the scale of the replica.