Earth, Moon, and Sun Relationship Basics

If Jan rotates a model of Earth 360 degrees on its axis, which of the following does one rotation represent?

• a month

• a day

• a year

• a season

Tags

NGSS.5-ESS1-2

During which two phases of the moon would neap tides take place?

• a new moon and a full moon

• a new moon and first quarter moon

• third quarter moon and full moon

• first quarter and third quarter moon

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Roman is writing an equation to show the effect of the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon on tidal range during neap tides. Based on this evidence, which equation would Roman use to show this effect?

• sun+moon=maximum tidal range

• sun+Earth=maximum tidal range

• moon-sun=minimum tidal range

• Earth-moon+minimum tidal range

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Bonita observes the moon several times during August. She draws and records the moon phase. Bonita's data is shown. Which date should the next phase happen?

• August 31

• September 7

• August 17

• August 24

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Augustin observes the moon every 3 days for 15 days. He notices the moon looks different? Why?

• the speed of the moon's orbit

• the position of Augustin on Earth

• the distance between Earth and the moon

• the position of the moon in its orbit around Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

George is asked if the phases of the moon are a form of lunar eclipse. He explains that the phases of the moon are a shadow of Earth on the face of the moon. A lunar eclipse is also a shadow of the Earth on the moon. Therefore, moon phases are partial eclipses. How would you correct George?

• The moon has a dark and a light side. We see the phases because we are seeing a changing portion of the lighted side.An eclipse is when the earth is between the sun and moon and earth's shadow darkens it.

• The moon orbits the earth. At the same time earth revolves around the sun. Because of the motion, we observe only parts of the moon reflecting the sun's light. An eclipse is when the earth is directly between the sun and moon during a full moon and earth's shadow darkens the moon.

• The moon orbits earth and earth orbits the sun. Because both are revolving at the same time, we observe only parts of the moon's reflective surface. An eclipse is when the moon is directly between the sun and earth during a full moon and earth's shadow darkens the moon.

• The moon does not rotate. We see phases of the moon because the same side of the moon is always facing the sun. When the earth rotates on its axis we sometimes see the side of the moon. An eclipse is when the moon is directly between the sun and earth during a full moon and the earth’s shadow darkens the moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How do these forces keep the moon from flying off into space?

• Gravity keeps the moon in motion, and inertia attracts the moon toward Earth.

• Gravity attracts the moon toward Earth, and inertia keeps the moon in motion.

• Gravity attracts the moon toward Earth, and the distance keeps it from going further away.

• Mass weighs the moon down so it stays close to earth, and inertia keeps the moon in motion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

The Earth revolves around the Sun at varying distances every 365 days. The Earth also rotates on its axis every 24 hours. What phenomenon is responsible for the seasonal warming and cooling patterns that most of the Earth experiences throughout the year?

• The angle of the Earth’s axis changes during the summer and winter which causes temperature differences

• The Sun gives off more energy during the summer and less energy during the winter which causes temperature differences

• The Earth is closer to the Sun during the summer and farther away during the winter which causes temperature differences

• The Sun’s rays strike the Earth more directly during the summer and less directly in the winter which causes temperature differences

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The picture above shows a relationship between the Earth and Sun. Which of the following statements best describes what is affected by the Earth being tilted?

• The Earth being tilted on its axis causes the Earth to experience different phases of the moon.

• The Earth being tilted on its axis causes the Earth to experience high and low tides throughout the day

• The Earth being tilted on its axis causes the Earth to experience different seasons throughout the year.

• The Earth being tilted on its axis causes the Earth to experience day and night equally throughout the year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Cassie is writing an equation to show the effect of the gravitational pull of the sun and the moon on tidal range. Which equation would Cassie use to show the effect of the sun and the moon on spring tides?

• sun + moon = spring tides

• sun + Earth = spring tides

• moon – sun = spring tides

• Earth – moon = spring tides

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS2-4