Moon Phases and Earth Motion

As the moon revolves around Earth, the amount of the moon's surface that is lit remains the same.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because as the moon orbits Earth, the same side (the near side) is always illuminated by the sun, while the far side remains dark. Thus, the amount of the moon's surface that is lit does not change.

The changing relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun cause what?

• The phases of the moon

• High tide

• Low tide

• Gravity

Answer explanation

The changing relative positions of the moon, Earth, and sun result in the different appearances of the moon, known as its phases. This occurs as the moon orbits Earth, causing varying amounts of sunlight to illuminate its surface.

About how often does a Full Moon happen?

• Once a month

• Once a year

• Once a week

• Never

Answer explanation

A Full Moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, which happens approximately once a month. This cycle is part of the lunar phases, making 'once a month' the correct answer.

The motion of the Earth, or rotation, is in what direction?

• Clockwise

• Counterclockwise

• North

• South

Answer explanation

The Earth rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above the North Pole. This means it spins from west to east, which is why the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.

What causes the different phases of the moon?

• The moon's rotation on its axis

• The Earth's rotation

• The moon's distance from the sun

• The moon's orbit around Earth

Answer explanation

The different phases of the moon are caused by its orbit around Earth. As the moon travels in its elliptical path, varying portions of its illuminated side are visible from Earth, creating the phases.

How long does it take for the Earth to complete one full rotation on its axis?

• 24 hours

• 365 days

• 12 hours

• 30 days

Answer explanation

The Earth takes 24 hours to complete one full rotation on its axis, which defines the length of a day. The other options, such as 365 days and 30 days, refer to the Earth's orbit around the Sun, not its rotation.

What is the term for when the moon is completely illuminated as seen from Earth?

• New Moon

• Crescent Moon

• Full Moon

• Half Moon

Answer explanation

The term for when the moon is completely illuminated as seen from Earth is 'Full Moon'. During this phase, the entire face of the moon is lit by the sun, making it fully visible from our perspective.

What is the term for the moon phase when it is not visible from Earth?

• Full Moon

• New Moon

• First Quarter

• Last Quarter

Which phase of the moon occurs when the moon is between the Earth and the sun?

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• New Moon

• Last Quarter

What is the term for the moon phase when it is more than half illuminated but not yet full?

• First Quarter

• Waxing Gibbous

• New Moon

• Waning Crescent