1.
Why do we only see one side of the moon?
Correct Answer
C. The rotation and relolution of the moon are equal.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the rotation and revolution of the moon are equal. This means that the moon takes the same amount of time to rotate on its axis as it does to orbit around the Earth. As a result, the same side of the moon always faces the Earth, while the other side remains hidden. This phenomenon is known as synchronous rotation.
2.
During a solstice the axis of the earth is pointed____________ from the sun?
Correct Answer
A. Towards
Explanation
During a solstice, the axis of the earth is pointed towards the sun. This means that the hemisphere experiencing the solstice is tilted towards the sun, resulting in longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. The opposite hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, experiencing shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures. This tilt of the earth's axis is what causes the changing of seasons throughout the year.
3.
During the winter solstice, where on the earth are the most direct sun rays received?
Correct Answer
C. 23.5 degrees south of the equator
Explanation
During the winter solstice, the tilt of the Earth's axis causes the Sun's rays to be most directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator. This means that the most direct sun rays are received in the southern hemisphere during this time.
4.
How far is the earth tilted?
Correct Answer
D. 23.5 degrees
Explanation
The Earth is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees. This tilt is known as the axial tilt or obliquity of the Earth. It is the reason for the changing seasons on Earth as different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. The tilt also affects the length of daylight hours and the angle at which sunlight reaches different parts of the Earth's surface.
5.
During the Vernal Equinox, where on the earth are the most direct sun rays received?
Correct Answer
A. At the equator.
Explanation
During the Vernal Equinox, the most direct sun rays are received at the equator. This is because during this time, the tilt of the Earth's axis is such that the sun is directly overhead at the equator. As a result, the equator receives the most direct and intense sunlight, making it the location where the most direct sun rays are received.
6.
What is the phase of the moon at position C?
Correct Answer
C. First Quarter
Explanation
The phase of the moon at position C is the First Quarter. This phase occurs when the moon is halfway between new moon and full moon, with exactly half of its illuminated side visible from Earth. The First Quarter phase is characterized by a half-moon shape, with the right side of the moon illuminated.
7.
What is the phase of the moon at position E?
Correct Answer
B. Waning Gibbous
Explanation
The phase of the moon at position E is a Waning Gibbous. This means that more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is decreasing in size. The term "waning" refers to the decreasing illumination, while "gibbous" indicates that more than half of the moon is visible.
8.
When are the tides largest?
Correct Answer
D. When the three are lined up sun, moon then earth.
Explanation
The tides are largest when the sun, moon, and earth are aligned in a straight line. This alignment creates the strongest gravitational pull, known as the spring tides. The sun's gravitational force amplifies the moon's gravitational force, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides. When the sun, moon, and earth are at right angles, the gravitational forces partially cancel each other out, resulting in weaker tides, known as neap tides. Therefore, the largest tides occur when the three are lined up sun, moon then earth.
9.
What is this picture showning?
Correct Answer
B. A lunar eclipse
Explanation
The picture is showing a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. This causes the Moon to appear darker or reddish in color. In the picture, we can see the Moon partially covered by the Earth's shadow, indicating a lunar eclipse.
10.
What occurs during a Neap tide?
Correct Answer
B. There are low tides do to the sun, earth and moon being at right angles to each other.
Explanation
During a Neap tide, there are low tides due to the sun, earth, and moon being at right angles to each other. This means that the gravitational pull from the sun and the moon partially cancel each other out, resulting in weaker tides. The sun and moon's gravitational forces are exerted in different directions, causing the water to be pulled in opposite directions and leading to lower tidal ranges.
11.
Waht season is it in the Southern Hemisphere?
Correct Answer
A. Summer
Explanation
The Southern Hemisphere experiences opposite seasons compared to the Northern Hemisphere. When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, the correct answer is summer.
12.
Where can you see a total solar eclipse?
Correct Answer
C. In the moon's umbra
Explanation
During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun, causing a shadow on the Earth. The shadow has two parts: the umbra and the penumbra. The umbra is the dark central region where the moon completely blocks the sun, resulting in a total eclipse. Therefore, the correct answer is "In the moon's umbra" as this is where you can see a total solar eclipse.
13.
A spring tide and a lunar eclipse can be seen in what phase of the moon?
Correct Answer
A. Full moon
Explanation
During a spring tide, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun align, causing a higher than normal tide. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Moon and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Moon. Both a spring tide and a lunar eclipse can only occur during a full moon phase when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun in the sky. Therefore, the correct answer is full moon.
14.
Which statement is correct?
Correct Answer
C. The earth revolves around the sun and rotates on its axis.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the earth revolves around the sun and rotates on its axis. This is a scientifically accurate statement. The rotation of the earth on its axis causes day and night, while the revolution around the sun causes the change of seasons.
15.
Why do people who live in Alaska experience short days in the winter?
Correct Answer
B. Because Alaska is very close the the north pole and receives indirect sunlight.
Explanation
People who live in Alaska experience short days in the winter because Alaska is very close to the north pole and receives indirect sunlight. Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, the northern hemisphere, including Alaska, is tilted away from the sun during the winter months. This results in the sun appearing lower in the sky and the days becoming shorter. Additionally, the angle at which the sunlight reaches Alaska is more oblique, leading to less direct sunlight and shorter daylight hours.