Question

1. what is the difference between a waxing phase and a waning phase?

when the moon is in a waxing phase, the larger portion of the moon is illuminated. in contrast, when the moon is in a waning phase, the smaller portion of the moon is illuminated.
when the moon is in a waxing phase, the right side of the moon is illuminated. in contrast, when the moon is in a waning phase, the left side of the moon is illuminated.
when the moon is in a waning phase, the right side of the moon is illuminated. in contrast, when the moon is in a waxing phase, the left side of the moon is illuminated.
when the moon is in a waxing phase, half of the moon is illuminated. in contrast, when the moon is in a waning phase the larger portion of the moon is illuminated.

Explanation:

Waxing phases occur as the moon's illuminated portion grows from new moon to full moon, with the right side (from the Northern Hemisphere perspective) lit. Waning phases occur as the illuminated portion shrinks from full moon to new moon, with the left side lit. The size of the illuminated portion changes in both, but the key difference is the side of the moon that is illuminated.

Answer:

When the moon is in a waxing phase, the right side of the moon is illuminated. In contrast, when the moon is in a waning phase, the left side of the moon is illuminated.