Question

1. tania went outside and made two observations of the moon that were several days apart. her observations are shown in the diagram above. the light part of the moon appeared to get larger over time. why did this happen?first observationsecond observationa. between the first observation and the second observation, the moon moved so that tania was able to see more of the half that faces the sun.b. between the first observation and the second observation, the moon moved closer to the sun so more sunlight reached the moons surface.c. between the first observation and the second observation, the moon rotated so that more of the light-colored rock on the moons surface faced earth.d. between the first observation and the second observation, earths shadow moved and was blocking less of the moon so tania was able to see more of it.

Explanation:

The Moon's phases change as its position relative to Earth and the Sun shifts. When the illuminated part appears to grow (waxing phase), it is because the Moon's orbital motion allows us to see more of the sunlit half of the Moon. Option B is incorrect because the Moon's distance to the Sun does not change enough to increase sunlight reaching it in this way. Option C is wrong because the Moon is tidally locked, so it does not rotate to show new rock faces to Earth. Option D describes a lunar eclipse, which is not the case here as the light increase is a gradual phase change, not related to Earth's shadow.

Answer:

A. Between the first observation and the second observation, the Moon moved so that Tania was able to see more of the half that faces the sun.