Earth, Moon, and Sun System (E)

What causes seasons on Earth?

• Earth's rotation

• Earth's tilt and revolution around the Sun

• Earth's distance from the Sun

• The Moon's orbit

Answer explanation

Seasons on Earth are caused by its tilt (about 23.5 degrees) and its revolution around the Sun. This tilt affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received, leading to seasonal changes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which term describes the orbit of Earth around the Sun?

• Rotation

• Revolution

• Eclipse

• Tide

Answer explanation

The term 'revolution' describes the orbit of Earth around the Sun, which takes about 365.25 days to complete. 'Rotation' refers to Earth's spin on its axis, while 'eclipse' and 'tide' relate to different astronomical phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is the tilt of Earth's axis?

• 15°

• 23.5°

• 45°

• 90°

Answer explanation

The tilt of Earth's axis is approximately 23.5°. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun.

Which phase occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun?

• Full moon

• Waxing crescent

• New moon

• Waning gibbous

Answer explanation

The new moon phase occurs when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. This is why the correct answer is 'New moon'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What causes tides on Earth?

• Earth's rotation

• The Moon’s and Sun’s gravitational pull

• Wind and weather

• Earth's tilt

Answer explanation

Tides on Earth are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. Their forces create bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high and low tides, making this the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

During which Moon phases do spring tides occur? (Select 2 correct options)

• Third Quarters

• Full Moon

• First Quarter

• New Moon

Answer explanation

Spring tides occur during the Full Moon and New Moon phases when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, resulting in higher tidal ranges. The Third Quarter and First Quarter phases do not produce spring tides.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What type of eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun?

• Lunar eclipse

• Solar eclipse

• Equinox

• Solstice

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. This is distinct from a lunar eclipse, which happens when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

• Venus

• Earth

• Mercury

• Mars

Answer explanation

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of about 57.91 million kilometers. Venus, Earth, and Mars are farther away, making Mercury the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which planet is known for its rings made of ice and rock?

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Uranus

• Neptune

Answer explanation

Saturn is renowned for its stunning rings, which are primarily composed of ice and rock particles. While Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune have rings, none are as prominent or well-defined as those of Saturn.

What defines a planet in the solar system?

• It must have rings

• It must orbit the Moon

• It must be spherical and clear its orbit

• It must be larger than Earth

Answer explanation

A planet must be spherical in shape and clear its orbit of other debris. This definition excludes options like having rings or being larger than Earth, making 'spherical and clear its orbit' the correct choice.