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Chapter 2: Problem 13

\(\mathbf{T} / \mathbf{F}:\) The phases of the Moon are caused by the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.

Short Answer

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Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question asks whether the statement about the causes of the phases of the Moon is true or false.
02

Recall the Cause of Moon Phases

The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. As the Moon orbits Earth, the portion that is illuminated by the Sun changes, which is what we see as Moon phases.
03

Analyze the Statement

The statement claims that the Moon phases are caused by the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. According to what we recalled, this statement should be evaluated based on whether it matches our understanding.
04

Conclusion

Since our understanding confirms that the Moon phases are indeed caused by the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun, we can conclude that the statement is true.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Moon orbits Earth
One fundamental concept to understand Moon phases is recognizing that the Moon orbits Earth. The Moon's journey around our planet takes about 27.3 days to complete. During this time, the Moon's position relative to Earth and the Sun changes continuously. As the Moon moves along its orbit, we see different portions of its surface illuminated by the Sun, creating the various phases of the Moon. This orbit is not a perfect circle but more of an elliptical shape, which can sometimes make the Moon appear slightly larger or smaller in the sky.
Sun illumination
The light we see on the Moon's surface comes from the Sun. As the Moon orbits Earth, sunlight illuminates different parts of its surface. This illumination creates the phases of the Moon we observe from Earth. When the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, we see a new moon, as the side of the Moon facing us is not lit up by the Sun. As the Moon moves along its orbit, more of the Moon's surface is illuminated: this is called the waxing phase. It reaches a full moon when the entire side of the Moon facing Earth is lit up. After this, the illuminated portion decreases (waning phase) until we get back to a new moon.
relative positions of Earth, Moon, Sun
The Moon's phases depend on the relative positions of Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Picture this: Earth is like the center of a stage. The Moon is an actor moving around Earth, and the Sun is a spotlight illuminating the stage. Depending on where the Moon is in its orbit, we see different parts of it lit up by the Sun. The relative positions determine whether we see a new moon, a crescent moon, a quarter moon, or a full moon. This dance of positions is what causes the fascinating changes in the Moon's appearance throughout a month.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Certain constellations are associated with certain times of year. For example, we see the zodiacal constellation Gemini in the Northern Hemisphere's winter (Southern Hemisphere's summer) and the zodiacal constellation Sagittarius in the Northern Hemisphere's summer. Why do we not see Sagittarius in the Northern Hemisphere's winter or Gemini in the Northern Hemisphere's summer?

Earth is spinning along at \(1,674 \mathrm{km} / \mathrm{h}\) at the equator. Use this fact, along with the length of the day, to calculate Earth's equatorial diameter.

The Sun, Moon, and stars a. appear to move each day because Earth rotates. b. change their relative positions over time. c. rise north or south of east and set north or south of west, depending on their location on the celestial sphere. d. all of the above

You see the first quarter Moon on the meridian. Where is the Sun? a. on the western horizon b. on the eastern horizon c. below the horizon d. on the meridian e. none of the above

T/F: If a star rises north of east, it will set south of west.
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