1.
The moon generates light.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false because the moon reflects light from the sun.
2.
The phases of the Moon always follow one another in the same order.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The phases of the Moon always follow one another in the same order because they are determined by the positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun. As the Moon orbits around Earth, the Sun's light illuminates different parts of the Moon, resulting in the different phases. The order of the phases, from New Moon to Full Moon and back to New Moon, remains consistent because it is based on the Moon's position relative to the Sun and Earth. Therefore, it is true that the phases of the Moon always follow one another in the same order.
3.
The phases of the moon occur at the same time regardless of the observers position.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The phases of the moon occur at the same time regardless of the observer's position because they are determined by the relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun. The moon orbits the Earth, and as it does so, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the sun, creating the different phases. These phases occur at the same time globally because they are based on the moon's position in relation to the sun and not on the observer's location on Earth.
4.
What you see when you look at the moon depends on the moon's location in relationship to the sun and Mars.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
What you see when you look at the moon depends on the moon's location in relationship to the sun and Earth.
5.
How long does one moon cycle last?
Correct Answer
B. A moon cycle lasts 29.5 days.
Explanation
The correct answer is that a moon cycle lasts 29.5 days. This is because the moon goes through different phases, such as full moon and new moon, which takes approximately 29.5 days to complete. This is known as a lunar month or synodic month. It is important to note that a moon cycle is different from a year, which lasts 365 days.
6.
How many moon phases can be recognized?
Correct Answer
B. 8 moon phases can be recognized.
Explanation
There are eight moon phases that can be recognized: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases occur as the Moon orbits around the Earth and different portions of its illuminated surface become visible from our perspective. Each phase represents a different amount of the Moon's surface that is illuminated by the Sun.
7.
After the full moon, does the moon's appearance begin waxing or waning?
Correct Answer
A. Waning
Explanation
After the full moon, the moon's appearance begins to wane. This means that the illuminated portion of the moon that is visible from Earth gradually decreases. The waning phase occurs as the moon moves from being a full moon to a new moon. During this phase, the moon appears to be getting smaller and less bright until it eventually becomes a new moon.
8.
After the new moon, how long does it take for the full moon to appear?
Correct Answer
B. 2 weeks
Explanation
After the new moon, it takes approximately 2 weeks for the full moon to appear. The lunar cycle progresses from new moon through first quarter to full moon, generally completing this phase in about 14 days.
9.
The most common incorrect reason given for the cause of the Moon's phases is that we are seeing _____________________ on the moon.
Correct Answer
the shadow of the Earth
Explanation
The most common incorrect reason given for the cause of the Moon's phases is that we are seeing the shadow of the Earth on the moon. However, this is not accurate because the Moon's phases are actually caused by the changing positions of the Moon, Earth, and the Sun. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, different amounts of its illuminated side become visible to us on Earth, resulting in the different phases of the Moon.
10.
During a waxing gibbous moon, light appears on the _________________ side of the moon.
During a waning gibbous moon, light appears on the _________________ side of the moon.
Correct Answer
right left
Explanation
During a waxing gibbous moon, the light appears on the right side of the moon. This is because during this phase, the moon is more than half illuminated and the illuminated portion is increasing towards a full moon. On the other hand, during a waning gibbous moon, the light appears on the left side of the moon. This is because during this phase, the moon is also more than half illuminated, but the illuminated portion is decreasing towards a third quarter moon.