What is the primary reason for Earth's different seasons?

• The speed of Earth's rotation

• Earth's distance from the Sun

• The tilt of Earth's axis

• The phases of the Moon

Answer explanation

The primary reason for Earth's different seasons is the tilt of Earth's axis. This tilt causes varying angles of sunlight to reach different parts of the Earth throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

During which season does the Northern Hemisphere experience the longest days?

• Summer

• Winter

• Spring

• Fall

Answer explanation

The Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest days during summer due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which allows for more direct sunlight and extended daylight hours.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How does the tilt of Earth's axis affect the Sun's path across the sky?

• It stays the same all year.

• It changes, causing longer days in summer and shorter days in winter.

• It moves in the opposite direction during each season.

• It only changes during equinoxes.

Answer explanation

The tilt of Earth's axis causes the Sun's path to change throughout the year, resulting in longer days during summer and shorter days in winter due to varying angles of sunlight.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What happens to the Sun's rays during summer in the Northern Hemisphere?

• They hit at a more direct angle, making it warmer.

• They spread out over a larger area, making it cooler.

• They are blocked by Earth's tilt.

• They hit both hemispheres equally.

Answer explanation

During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun's rays strike at a more direct angle. This concentration of sunlight increases temperatures, making it warmer compared to other seasons.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which position of the Moon causes the highest high tides?

• When the Moon is at a right angle to the Sun

• When the Moon is directly aligned with the Sun

• When the Moon is in its crescent phase

• When the Moon is furthest from Earth

Answer explanation

The highest high tides occur when the Moon is directly aligned with the Sun, known as spring tides. This alignment causes the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun to combine, resulting in greater tidal ranges.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the primary cause of the daily rise and fall of ocean tides?

• The rotation of Earth on its axis

• The tilt of Earth's axis

• Gravitational forces between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun

• The Sun's heat

Answer explanation

The primary cause of ocean tides is the gravitational forces between Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. These forces create bulges in the ocean, leading to the rise and fall of tides as Earth rotates.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Which of these best describes a neap tide?

• A tide with very high high tides and very low low tides

• A tide with less extreme differences between high and low tides

• A tide that only occurs during full moons

• A tide caused by Earth's tilt

Answer explanation

A neap tide occurs when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are perpendicular, resulting in less extreme differences between high and low tides. This is why the correct choice is 'A tide with less extreme differences between high and low tides'.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How often do most coastal areas experience high and low tides each day?

• Once a day

• Twice a day

• Three times a day

• Four times a day

Answer explanation

Most coastal areas experience high and low tides twice a day due to the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, resulting in two high tides and two low tides within a 24-hour period.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What happens to the gravitational pull during a spring tide?

• The Moon and Sun work together, increasing gravitational pull.

• The Moon and Sun work against each other, decreasing gravitational pull.

• The Sun's gravity completely cancels out the Moon's gravity.

• The Moon's gravity completely cancels out the Sun's gravity.

Answer explanation

During a spring tide, the gravitational pull is increased because the Moon and Sun align, working together. This alignment enhances the tidal forces, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is the primary component of the atmosphere?

• Nitrogen

• Water

• Rocks

• Plants

Answer explanation

The primary component of the atmosphere is nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of the air we breathe. Water vapor, rocks, and plants are not major components of the atmosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4