1.
Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer in the following questions.
If the moon is BIGGER than a QUARTER, we call it a ________ moon.
Correct Answer
D. Gibbous
Explanation
When the moon appears larger than a quarter moon but is not yet full, it is called a "gibbous" moon. This phase occurs between the first quarter moon and the full moon, as well as between the full moon and the last quarter moon. A gibbous moon is more than half illuminated but not entirely full, distinguishing it from the other phases listed.
2.
If the moon is SMALLER than a QUARTER, we call it a ________ moon.
Correct Answer
C. Crescent
Explanation
When the moon is smaller than a quarter, it appears as a crescent moon. This is because only a small portion of the moon is illuminated by the sun, creating a curved shape that resembles a crescent. The other options, full, half, and gibbous, do not accurately describe the appearance of a moon that is smaller than a quarter.
3.
When the moon is not visible, it is called ________.
Correct Answer
A. New moon
Explanation
When the moon is not visible, it is called a new moon. During this phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, causing the side of the moon facing the Earth to be in shadow. As a result, the moon appears dark and cannot be seen from Earth. The term "new" refers to the beginning of a new lunar cycle, where the moon gradually moves from being invisible to becoming visible again.
4.
When the moon is getting smaller, it is a _________ moon.
Correct Answer
B. Waning
Explanation
When the moon is getting smaller, it is referred to as a "waning" moon. The term "waxing" is used to describe the moon when it is getting larger. The word "crescent" refers to a thin, curved shape of the moon, while "gibbous" describes a moon that is more than half but not fully illuminated.
5.
When the moon is getting bigger, it is a ______ moon.
Correct Answer
B. Waxing
Explanation
When the moon appears to be getting bigger, or more of it is becoming visible, it is referred to as a "waxing" moon. The waxing phase includes everything from a sliver of a new moon increasing until it becomes a full moon. There are several stages within this phase, including waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, and others, until the moon reaches its full state.
6.
What occurs when Earth is between the sun and the moon?
Correct Answer
A. Lunar eclipse
Explanation
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is between the sun and the moon. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the sunlight that normally illuminates the moon, causing the moon to appear darkened. This happens because the Earth's shadow falls on the moon. It is important to note that a lunar eclipse can only happen during a full moon when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly aligned in a straight line.
7.
What is the effect of the rotation of the moon and its revolution around Earth?
Correct Answer
B. Each day, only one side of the moon faces Earth
Explanation
The Moon's rotation period is the same as its orbital period around Earth. This synchronous rotation means that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. The other options are incorrect because they are caused by other factors:
The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles of sunlight reflected off its surface as it orbits Earth.
Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's oceans.
8.
What occurs when the moon is between the sun and Earth?
Correct Answer
B. Solar eclipse
Explanation
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is between the sun and Earth. During a solar eclipse, the moon blocks the sunlight from reaching Earth, causing a temporary darkening of the sky. This phenomenon can only happen during a new moon when the moon is in its orbital path between the sun and Earth.
9.
In what phases can you see an increasing amount of the lighted side of the moon?
Correct Answer
A. New moon to full moon
Explanation
During the phase of new moon to full moon, the amount of the lighted side of the moon increases. This is because during the new moon phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with the side facing Earth being in darkness. As the moon progresses towards the full moon phase, more and more of the lighted side becomes visible from Earth, resulting in an increasing amount of the lighted side of the moon.
10.
Which of the following is NOT a primary phase of the Moon?
Correct Answer
C. Crescent Moon
Explanation
The primary phases of the Moon are new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. These phases represent the different appearances of the Moon as it orbits Earth and reflects sunlight. The crescent moon is an intermediate phase between the new moon and first quarter (waxing crescent) or between the last quarter and new moon (waning crescent).
11.
What causes tides?
Correct Answer
C. Gravitational pull on Earth
Explanation
Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun on Earth. The moon's gravitational force attracts the water on Earth's surface, causing a bulge that creates high tide. As the Earth rotates, different parts of it experience the gravitational pull, resulting in two high tides and two low tides each day. While the sun also exerts a gravitational force on Earth, its effect on tides is less significant due to its greater distance. Therefore, the correct answer is the gravitational pull on Earth.
12.
Which gravitational pull has the greatest effect on the tides?
Correct Answer
C. Earth's gravitational pull on the moon
Explanation
The correct answer is Earth's gravitational pull on the moon. Although the moon's gravitational pull does have an effect on the tides, it is the Earth's gravitational pull on the moon that has the greatest effect. This is because the Earth is much larger and more massive than the moon, so its gravitational force is stronger. The gravitational pull of the Earth causes the moon to orbit around it, and this motion of the moon creates the tidal bulges on Earth's surface.
13.
How often does the moon pass over a particular spot on Earth's surface causing tides as a result of its gravitational pull?
Correct Answer
C. Once every 24 hours and 50 minutes
Explanation
The moon passes over a particular spot on Earth's surface causing tides approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes. This is because the moon's gravitational pull creates two high tides and two low tides in a 24-hour period. It's important to note that the exact timing of high and low tides can vary depending on the specific location due to factors such as geography, coastline shape, and local currents.
14.
Which two phases of the moon do neap tides take place?
Correct Answer
A. New moon, full moon
Explanation
Neap tides occur during the new moon and full moon phases of the moon. During these phases, the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are perpendicular to each other, causing the tidal range to be at its lowest. This results in weaker tides known as neap tides.
15.
What are depressions on the moon's eclipses?
Correct Answer
A. Eclipses
Explanation
Depressions on the moon's eclipses refer to the dark areas or shadows that are seen on the moon's surface during a lunar eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the sunlight from reaching the moon, causing the moon to appear dark or reddish. These dark areas are known as eclipses.
16.
The darkest part of the moon's shadow during a solar eclipse is _______.
Correct Answer
B. Umbra
Explanation
During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts a shadow on Earth. The umbra is the darkest part of this shadow, where the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon. Observers within the umbra experience a total solar eclipse. The penumbra is the lighter outer part of the shadow, where the Sun is only partially blocked, resulting in a partial solar eclipse.
17.
Which of the following is NOT a primary phase of the Moon?
Correct Answer
B. Crescent Moon
Explanation
The primary lunar phases mark distinctive points in the Moon's monthly cycle. The New Moon is invisible, swallowed by the Sun's light. The First Quarter shows a half-lit disc, as does the Last Quarter, but on the opposite side. The Full Moon is a completely illuminated circle. Crescent Moons are intermediate stages, appearing as slivers of light between the New Moon and the Quarter phases.