Unit 9 Test EOY Review

What occurs when the Moon, Earth, and Sun align in a straight line with the Moon between Earth and the Sun?

• Earth's axis of rotation changes direction

• A solar eclipse may be visible from certain locations on Earth

• Seasonal changes occur more rapidly than normal

• The Moon appears to be completely illuminated from Earth

Answer explanation

When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, it can block sunlight, leading to a solar eclipse visible from certain locations on Earth. This alignment does not affect Earth's rotation or seasons.

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Maria is planning to go fishing at Monterey Bay, California. The local fishing guide tells her that fishing is best during high tide. According to the diagram below, at what time should Maria go fishing?

• 6:00 a.m.

• 12:00 p.m.

• 3:00 p.m.

• 9:00 p.m.

Answer explanation

Maria should go fishing at 6:00 a.m. because the local fishing guide indicated that fishing is best during high tide, which occurs at that time according to the diagram.

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The diagram shows the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. The Moon is shown at four possible positions around Earth. Which position of the Moon could result in a lunar eclipse?

• Position 1

• Position 2

• Position 3

• Position 4

Answer explanation

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight. Position 2 shows the Moon behind the Earth, making it the only position that can result in a lunar eclipse.

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In the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures are highest in July and lowest in January. What is the MAIN reason for the low temperatures in January?

• The Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight in January.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun in January.

• The Earth is at its furthest distance from the Sun in January.

• The Earth's rotation is slower in January.

Answer explanation

The main reason for low temperatures in January is that the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in less direct sunlight and cooler temperatures during this time.

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The diagram below shows the position of Earth at four different times during the year. Which two positions represent a solstice?

• position A and position C

• position B and position D

• position A and position B

• position C and position D

Answer explanation

Positions A and C represent the solstices, as they indicate the points in the year when the Earth's tilt is most inclined towards or away from the Sun, resulting in the longest and shortest days.

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Jason left his kayak at the water's edge during low tide and went for a hike. When he returned two hours later, his kayak was floating several meters from shore. What is the most likely explanation?

• Strong ocean currents pushed the kayak away from shore.

• The water level rose due to the high tide.

• A spring tide caused an unusually high water level.

• Heavy rainfall increased the water level in the area.

Answer explanation

The kayak floated away because the water level rose due to high tide, which occurs regularly and causes the water to cover more area, moving objects like kayaks further from shore.

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The amount of daylight hours changes throughout the year in most places on Earth. What causes this variation?

• The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun

• The distance between the Earth and the Sun changes

• The rotation speed of the Earth increases and decreases

• The shape of the Earth changes throughout the year

Answer explanation

The variation in daylight hours is caused by the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt affects how sunlight is distributed across the planet throughout the year.

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The diagram below shows Earth between the Sun and the Moon. What phase of the Moon would be observed from Earth?

• new moon

• full moon

• first quarter

• third quarter

Answer explanation

When Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, resulting in a full moon phase visible from Earth.

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Lucas observes that twice each month, the difference between high and low tides is minimal. These are called neap tides. Which two Moon positions would result in neap tides?

• positions 1 and 3

• positions 2 and 4

• positions 1 and 2

• positions 3 and 4

Answer explanation

Neap tides occur when the Moon is in positions 2 and 4, which are at right angles to the Sun. This alignment minimizes the gravitational pull on Earth, resulting in smaller differences between high and low tides.

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What causes summer days to be longer than winter days in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Earth rotates faster on its axis during summer months

• Earth is closer to the Sun during summer months

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun during summer months

• The Sun produces more energy during summer months

Answer explanation

Summer days are longer in the Northern Hemisphere because it is tilted toward the Sun, resulting in more direct sunlight and extended daylight hours compared to winter when it is tilted away.

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