Unit 8: Sun, Earth, & Moon System

Both the Sun and the Moon influence Earth's tides, but the Moon's influence is greater than the Sun's. Why is this the case?

• The Moon's gravitational force deflects the Sun's gravitational force.

• The Sun's gravitational force on Earth is reduced because of the planets that are between the Sun and Earth.

• The Sun has more mass than the Moon. But the Moon is much closer to Earth than the Sun, so its gravitational force on Earth is greater.

• The Sun's gravitational force changes more dramatically than the Moon's gravitational force as Earth orbits the Sun and the Moon orbits Earth.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that although the Sun has more mass, the Moon is much closer to Earth, making its gravitational pull stronger and thus having a greater influence on Earth's tides.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

In which position is Earth when the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing summer?

• Position A

• Position B

• Position C

• Position D

Answer explanation

Earth is in Position D when the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer, as it is tilted towards the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight, while the Southern Hemisphere is in winter.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

An eclipse occurs because of a specific arrangement of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. Which of the following describes the arrangement that causes a solar eclipse?

• The Moon moves around to the back of the Sun.

• Earth is in a line between the Sun and the Moon.

• The Moon is in a line between Earth and the Sun.

• The Sun moves between Earth and the Moon.

Answer explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is positioned directly between Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. Therefore, the correct arrangement is that the Moon is in a line between Earth and the Sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Why is the concept of universal gravitation considered by scientists to be a law and not a theory?

• It began as a theory, but as evidence for it mounted it became a law.

• It was described very early in the history of science, before theories were developed.

• It is so widely accepted that it would be unwise not to go along with it.

• It provides a description of a natural event, not an explanation of the event, so it is considered a law.

Answer explanation

The concept of universal gravitation is considered a law because it provides a clear description of how gravity operates in nature, rather than explaining why it occurs, which is characteristic of scientific laws.

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NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Consuela lives on the east coast of Florida. She notices a neap tide occurs twice a month. Neap tides occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth are in specific positions. Which two of the four Moon positions shown above will cause neap tides?

• positions 1 and 2

• positions 1 and 3

• positions 2 and 3

• positions 2 and 4

Answer explanation

Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles relative to Earth, which happens in positions 2 and 4. These positions create lower tidal ranges compared to spring tides.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The diagram below presents the phases of the moon as viewed from space. The various positions of the moon are numbered. Which position would appear as a waxing crescent moon when viewed from Earth?

• A. 1

• B. 2

• C. 5

• D. 7

Answer explanation

A waxing crescent moon occurs when the moon is between new moon and first quarter. In the diagram, position 2 shows the moon illuminated on the right side, indicating a waxing crescent phase.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is happening at point 4 in the diagram?

• low tide

• high tide

• solar tide

• average sea level

Answer explanation

At point 4 in the diagram, the water level is at its lowest, indicating low tide. This occurs when the gravitational pull of the moon and sun is at a position that causes the water to recede from the shore.

The diagram below shows the relative positions of the sun, moon, and Earth. What type of celestial event is depicted by the diagram?

• a solar eclipse

• a lunar eclipse

• a first quarter moon

• a third quarter moon

Answer explanation

The diagram shows the Earth positioned between the sun and the moon, which indicates that the Earth's shadow is cast on the moon. This alignment results in a lunar eclipse, making 'a lunar eclipse' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Which statement best explains the reason for this situation?

• A. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun

• B. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun

• C. When the Northern Hemisphere is relatively close to the sun, the Southern Hemisphere is relatively far from the sun

• D. When the Northern Hemisphere is relatively far from the sun, the Southern Hemisphere is relatively close to the sun

Answer explanation

The correct choice is A. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun during winter, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in summer there.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Augustin observes the moon every 3 days for 15 days. He notices that over this 15-day period, the moon looks different. What accounts for the differences in the appearance of the moon over this time period?

• The speed of the moon’s orbit

• The position of Augustin on Earth

• The distance between Earth and the moon

• The position of the moon in its orbit around Earth

Answer explanation

The differences in the moon's appearance are due to its position in its orbit around Earth. As the moon orbits, the sunlight reflects off it differently, creating the various phases observed over the 15 days.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1