1.
In the picture below, Texas is the area of Earth labeled side A where the X is drawn. What do you know for sure is happening in Texas?
Correct Answer
A. It is day in Texas.
Explanation
Based on the information provided, we can infer that it is day in Texas. Since the X is drawn on side A of the Earth, and Texas is labeled as side A, it suggests that the sun is shining on Texas, indicating daytime. No information is given about the season, so we cannot determine whether it is summer or winter in Texas.
2.
Which of the following causes the seasons?
Correct Answer
B. The tilt of the Earth's axis
Explanation
The seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. As the Earth orbits the sun, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in the changing seasons. When one hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, it experiences summer, while the other hemisphere is tilted away and experiences winter. As the Earth continues its orbit, the tilt of the axis causes the seasons to change.
3.
Which location in the diagram above shows the position of Earth when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere?
Correct Answer
A. Location A
Explanation
Location A shows the position of Earth when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This is because during summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. In the diagram, Location A clearly depicts the Northern Hemisphere tilted towards the Sun, indicating the summer season in that region.
4.
Around which object do all of the planets in our solar system revolve?
Correct Answer
C. The Sun
Explanation
All of the planets in our solar system revolve around the Sun. The Sun is the central and largest object in our solar system, exerting a gravitational force that keeps the planets in their orbits. This motion is known as revolution, where the planets continuously orbit the Sun in elliptical paths. The Sun's immense mass and gravitational pull are responsible for maintaining the stability and order of the solar system.
5.
When we learn about the planets we cannot see these objects easily because they are far away in outer space. We can use models to show how the objects look. The picture below shows a model of light shining on earth. What is the purpose of the flashlight?
Correct Answer
A. To model the Sun
Explanation
The purpose of the flashlight is to model the Sun. This is because the question states that the picture shows a model of light shining on Earth, and we know that the Sun is the source of light for Earth. Therefore, the flashlight is representing the Sun in the model.
6.
Why do we only see one side of the Moon from Earth?
Correct Answer
D. The Moon takes the same amount of time to revolve and to rotate.
Explanation
The reason we only see one side of the Moon from Earth is because the Moon takes the same amount of time to revolve around its axis as it takes to orbit around the Earth. This is known as synchronous rotation or tidal locking. As a result, one side of the Moon is always facing towards the Earth while the other side remains hidden.
7.
Why is it that the Moon can sometimes be seen during the day as well as at night?
Correct Answer
C. The Moon reflects light from the Sun all the time.
Explanation
During the day, the Sun illuminates the Moon just like it illuminates the Earth. The Moon does not emit its own light, but rather reflects the sunlight back to us. This reflection allows us to see the Moon even during the day. Therefore, the statement "The Moon reflects light from the Sun all the time" explains why the Moon can sometimes be seen during the day as well as at night.
8.
There are day and night on Earth because
Correct Answer
C. Earth rotates
Explanation
The correct answer is Earth rotates. This is because the Earth spins on its axis, causing different parts of the planet to face towards or away from the Sun at different times. This rotation creates day and night as the Sun's light shines on one side of the Earth while the other side is in darkness. The rotation of the Sun or the Moon does not directly cause day and night on Earth.
9.
How often can a full moon be seen?
Correct Answer
C. About once each month
Explanation
A full moon occurs approximately once each month. This is because the lunar cycle, which is the time it takes for the moon to go through all of its phases, is about 29.5 days long. During a full moon, the moon is fully illuminated by the sun and appears as a complete circle in the sky. This phenomenon repeats itself roughly every month, allowing us to see a full moon about once each month.
10.
Which diagram below BEST represents the position of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth when there is a full moon?
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
Diagram A represents the position of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth during a full moon. In this diagram, the Earth is in the middle, with the Sun on one side and the Moon on the other side. The Moon is directly opposite the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing the Earth, creating a full moon. This alignment occurs when the Moon is in its full phase, and it is the only diagram that accurately depicts this arrangement.
11.
Twenty-four hours is the time it take for one rotation of
Correct Answer
B. Earth on its axis
Explanation
The correct answer is Earth on its axis. Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one rotation on its axis, which is why we have day and night. This rotation is responsible for the cycle of day and night that we experience on Earth.
12.
Which picture of the Moon shows the new moon phase?
Correct Answer
C. C
Explanation
The new moon phase occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with the side that is illuminated facing away from us. In picture C, we see a dark circle, which represents the Moon blocking the Sun's light from reaching us and therefore indicates the new moon phase. Pictures A, B, and D show different phases of the moon where some portion of it is illuminated.
13.
What is the main cause of tides?
Correct Answer
B. Gravitational pull of the Moon
Explanation
The main cause of tides is the gravitational pull of the Moon. The Moon's gravitational force creates a bulge on the side of the Earth facing the Moon, causing a high tide. On the opposite side of the Earth, there is also a high tide due to the centrifugal force caused by the Earth-Moon system. This results in two high tides and two low tides each day. The gravitational pull of the Sun also contributes to tides, but it is less significant compared to the Moon's gravitational pull. The magnetic pull of the Earth and the Moon and the Sun do not play a significant role in causing tides.
14.
Lesley puts her blanket on the ocean beach at 10:00 in the morning. At 1:00 in the afternoon, she has to move the blanket or it will get wet. What caused the change in the water level?
Correct Answer
A. Tide
Explanation
The change in water level was caused by the tide. Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The movement of the blanket indicates that the water level was rising, which is consistent with the ebb and flow of the tides.