Question

select the correct text in the passage. which sentence supports the fact that we always see the same side of the moon? the moon (which) from weeks to rotate once on its axis and about the same time to orbit the earth. the gravitational effect of earth has slowed the rotational period of the moon to match its orbital. since the rotational period is exactly the same as the orbital period, the same portion of the moon always faces earth. as the moon orbits earth, the lit side that we see changes in size. these changes are called the lunar phases. reset next

Explanation:

To determine the correct statement supporting why we always see the same side of the Moon, we analyze the options (even though the options aren't fully visible, we use the provided text):

The key concept is synchronous rotation (or tidal locking), where the Moon’s rotational period matches its orbital period around Earth. From the text: "The Moon takes about four weeks to rotate once on its axis and about the same time to orbit the Earth. The gravitational effect of Earth has slowed the rotational period of the Moon to match its orbital... the same portion of the Moon always faces Earth."

This means the Moon’s rotation and orbit periods are equal, so the same side is always visible.

The Moon’s rotational period (time to spin on its axis) equals its orbital period (time to orbit Earth). This synchronous rotation (tidal locking) causes the same side to always face Earth, as the Moon rotates at the same rate it orbits.

Answer:

The statement "The Moon takes about four weeks to rotate once on its axis and about the same time to orbit the Earth. The gravitational effect of Earth has slowed the rotational period of the Moon to match its orbital. Since the rotational period is exactly the same as the orbital period, the same portion of the Moon always faces Earth." (or the corresponding option describing synchronous rotation) is correct.