22.2 Exploring the Earth-Moon-Sun System

Explain why the Moon appears to change shape over the course of a month.

• The Moon's surface changes due to solar radiation.

• The Moon orbits the Earth, causing different portions to be illuminated by the Sun.

• The Earth's shadow covers the Moon at different times.

• The Moon's distance from Earth changes, altering its appearance.

Analyze how the gravitational pull of the Moon affects Earth's tides.

• The Moon's gravity causes the Earth's oceans to bulge, creating high tides.

• The Moon's gravity has no effect on Earth's tides.

• The Moon's gravity pushes water away, creating low tides.

• The Moon's gravity only affects tides during a full moon.

Compare the gravitational forces exerted by the Earth and the Moon on each other.

• The Earth exerts a stronger gravitational force on the Moon than the Moon does on the Earth.

• The Moon exerts a stronger gravitational force on the Earth than the Earth does on the Moon.

• The gravitational forces are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

• Neither exerts any gravitational force on the other.

Explain the difference between the rotation and revolution of the Moon.

• Rotation refers to the Moon's orbit around the Earth, while revolution refers to its spin on its axis.

• Rotation refers to the Moon's spin on its axis, while revolution refers to its orbit around the Earth.

• Both terms refer to the Moon's orbit around the Earth.

• Both terms refer to the Moon's spin on its axis.

Strategically analyze why lunar phases are not caused by Earth's shadow.

• Lunar phases are caused by the Moon's rotation.

• Lunar phases are caused by the Moon's orbit around the Earth, not by Earth's shadow.

• Lunar phases are caused by the Sun's rotation.

• Lunar phases are caused by the Earth's rotation.

Evaluate the impact of the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's rotation over time.

• The Moon's gravity speeds up Earth's rotation.

• The Moon's gravity has no impact on Earth's rotation.

• The Moon's gravity slows down Earth's rotation over time.

• The Moon's gravity causes Earth to rotate in the opposite direction.

Analyze the significance of the Earth-Moon distance in terms of gravitational force.

• The greater the distance, the stronger the gravitational force.

• The greater the distance, the weaker the gravitational force.

• Distance has no effect on gravitational force.

• Gravitational force is constant regardless of distance.

Explain why the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth.

• The Moon does not rotate on its axis.

• The Moon's rotation period is the same as its revolution period around the Earth.

• The Earth's gravity prevents the Moon from rotating.

• The Moon's surface is uneven, causing it to lock in place.

Analyze the role of the Sun's gravity in the Earth-Moon system.

• The Sun's gravity has no effect on the Earth-Moon system.

• The Sun's gravity helps keep the Earth and Moon in their respective orbits.

• The Sun's gravity pulls the Moon away from the Earth.

• The Sun's gravity causes the Earth to rotate faster.

Compare the orbital periods of the Earth and the Moon.

• The Earth's orbital period is shorter than the Moon's.

• The Moon's orbital period is shorter than the Earth's.

• Both have the same orbital period.

• Neither has a defined orbital period.