Question

unit 2.2 quiz: moon phases, eclipses & tides (copy)

1. which of the following best describes why the moon goes through phases?

a earths shadow falls on different parts of the moon at different times.
b earths clouds cover portions of the moon at various times resulting in the changing phases we see.
c the sunlight reflected from earth lights up the moon but is least effective when the moon is lower in the sky than when it is higher in the sky.
d we see only part of the illuminated moon depending on its position and angle relative to earth, the sun, and our point of view.

1. because the moon rotates once for each revolution around the earth

a you see some phases longer than others.
b a different side of the moon faces earth each day.
c you never see the far side of the moon.
d the far side of the moon is visible only during the new moon phase.

Explanation:

1. The moon goes through phases because we see only part of the illuminated moon depending on its position and angle relative to Earth, the Sun, and our point - of - view. Earth's shadow falling on the moon is related to eclipses, not phases. Earth's clouds don't affect moon phases, and the sunlight reflected from Earth isn't the main cause of phases.
2. The moon rotates once for each revolution around the Earth. This is called synchronous rotation, and as a result, we never see the far side of the moon from Earth.

Answer:

1. D. We see only part of the illuminated moon depending on its position and angle relative to Earth, the Sun, and our point of view.
2. C. you never see the far side of the Moon.