Question

1. which best shows the order of moon phases as viewed from the earth (white = the part viewable due to reflecting sunlight)

(1) ○ - ● - ◐ -◑ - ○
(2) ● - ◐ - ○ -◑ - ●
(3) ● - ○ - ◐ -◑ - ●
(4) ○ - ◐ -◑ - ● - ○
a 1
b 2
c 3
d 4

1. approximately how long does it take the moon to go from full - moon phase to new - moon phase?

a four weeks
b one week
c two weeks
d three weeks

1. which statement best describes tides experienced on earth when the sun, moon, and earth are positioned as shown in the diagram?

a spring tide: greatest difference between high and low water
b full moon tide
c no tidal change
d neap tide: least difference between high and low

Explanation:

1. The moon phases progress from new - moon (completely dark as seen from Earth), waxing crescent, first - quarter, waxing gibbous, full - moon, waning gibbous, last - quarter, waning crescent back to new - moon. Option B shows this correct order.
2. It takes approximately two weeks for the moon to go from full - moon phase to new - moon phase. The moon's cycle from new - moon to new - moon is about 29.5 days, so half of that cycle (from full - moon to new - moon) is around two weeks.
3. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in a straight line (syzygy), spring tides occur. Spring tides have the greatest difference between high and low water.

Answer:

1. B.
2. C. two weeks
3. A. Spring tide: greatest difference between high and low water