Unit Test Practice

What is the mechanism that allows us to see light from the moon?

• Reflected light

• Refracted light

• The moon’s own light

• Light from the Earth

Answer explanation

We see light from the moon because it reflects sunlight. The moon does not produce its own light; instead, it acts like a mirror, reflecting the light that comes from the sun.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

In order to see the phases of the moon, what space objects play a role?

• Asteroids

• Stars and comets

• Earth, Sun and moon

• Planets of the solar system

Answer explanation

The phases of the moon are caused by the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon relative to each other. As the Moon orbits Earth, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the Sun, creating the visible phases.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which statement below best describes the side of the moon that is facing the Sun?

• Never bright

• Sometimes bright

• It is usually dark

• Always bright

Answer explanation

The side of the moon facing the Sun is always illuminated, making it always bright. This is because the Sun's light continuously shines on that side, while the opposite side remains dark.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The new moon is followed by which major lunar phase?

• Waning crescent

• Waxing crescent

• Waning gibbous

• Waxing gibbous

Answer explanation

The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. Following the new moon, the moon enters the waxing crescent phase, where it starts to become visible as it moves towards the first quarter.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The full moon is followed by which major lunar phase?

• Waning crescent

• Waxing crescent

• Waning gibbous

• Waxing gibbous

Answer explanation

The full moon is the peak of the lunar cycle, after which the moon begins to wane. The phase immediately following the full moon is the waning gibbous, where the visible portion of the moon decreases.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

As the moon orbits around Earth

• Different parts of it appear to be illuminated by the Sun

• The moon shines its light in other directions

• This causes day and night

• The moon always appears the same

Answer explanation

As the moon orbits Earth, the angle of sunlight changes, causing different parts of it to be illuminated. This is why we see phases of the moon, not because it shines its own light.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The Earth rotates around the Sun and the moon rotates around the Earth.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because the Earth indeed rotates around the Sun, and the Moon orbits the Earth. This is a fundamental aspect of our solar system's dynamics.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

There are ______ seasons during the year.

• 4

• 5

• 3

• 6

Answer explanation

There are 4 seasons in a year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. This is a widely accepted classification based on the Earth's orbit around the sun and its axial tilt.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is our main source of heat?

• Geothermal

• Moon

• Natural Gas

• Sun

Answer explanation

The Sun is our main source of heat, providing energy through nuclear fusion. While geothermal and natural gas contribute to heat, the Sun's energy is essential for life and climate on Earth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

We have seasons because Earth is closer to the Sun in the winter than the summer.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis, not its distance from the Sun. In fact, Earth is closer to the Sun during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, yet it experiences colder temperatures.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1