Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? Round 2

From the full moon to the first quarter, one side of the moon seems to be disappearing. This is called__________________?

• waxing

• waning

• phasing

• reserving

Answer explanation

From the full moon to the first quarter, the moon's illuminated portion decreases, which is referred to as waning. Therefore, the correct answer is 'waning', indicating the moon appears to be disappearing.

What is the Earth's natural satellite?

• stars

• planet

• moon

• sun

Answer explanation

The earth's natural satellite is the moon. Unlike stars, planets, and the sun, which are different celestial bodies, the moon orbits the Earth and is specifically classified as a natural satellite.

The moon, as it orbits around the Earth, appears to change shape because_____________________.

• It is not always the same distance from Earth

• It moves nearer to the Earth

• It moves further from the Earth

• It changes position in relation to the sun and Earth

Answer explanation

The moon's changing shape, or phases, is due to its position relative to the Earth and the sun. As it orbits, different portions of its surface are illuminated, creating the appearance of changing shapes.

Why does the moon seem to have different shapes?

• Because the moon takes 29 ½ days to rotate on its axis and revolves around the Earth.

• Because the observer of the moon sees the lighted side of the moon.

• Because the moon has lesser gravity than the Earth.

• Because the moon is smaller than the Earth.

Answer explanation

The moon appears to have different shapes, or phases, because we see varying portions of its lighted side as it orbits the Earth. This is due to the relative positions of the Earth, moon, and sun.

What portion of the moon do we see during a crescent?

• the whole

• one fourth

• one half

• three-fourths

Answer explanation

During a crescent phase, we see only a small portion of the moon's surface, specifically about one fourth of it illuminated. This is because the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, showing less than half of its surface.

From the New Moon to the First Quarter, the moon that we see in the sky seems to be growing on one side. This is called_________________.

• waxing

• waning

• phasing

• rounding

Answer explanation

From the New Moon to the First Quarter, the moon appears to grow, which is referred to as 'waxing'. This term describes the increasing visibility of the moon's illuminated portion.

How does the moon revolve around the Earth?

• The moon revolves around the Earth in 29 ½ days.

• As the moon revolves around the Earth, it also moves on its axis every 24 hours.

• As the moon revolves, it also rotates once on its axis while making one revolution around the Earth.

• As the moon revolves around the Earth, it continues to rotate on its axis.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that as the moon revolves around the Earth, it also rotates once on its axis. This synchronous rotation is why we always see the same side of the moon from Earth.

What phase of the moon is lighted on the right side and dark on the left?

• First quarter

• Third quarter

• Full moon

• New moon

Answer explanation

The first quarter moon is illuminated on the right side and dark on the left. This phase occurs when the moon is one-quarter of the way through its orbit around Earth, making it appear as a half-circle from our perspective.

Suppose you observe a moon that appears as a complete circle from Earth. Which phase of the moon is it?

• Full moon

• Waxing crescent

• New moon

• Waning gibbous

Answer explanation

A full moon occurs when the moon is fully illuminated from Earth's perspective, appearing as a complete circle. This distinguishes it from other phases like the new moon, which is not visible.

Which of the following is the color of a young star?

• Red star

• Yellow star

• Bluish-white star

• Pink

Answer explanation

Young stars are typically hotter and emit more blue light, making them appear bluish-white. In contrast, red and yellow stars are older and cooler, while pink is not a recognized category for star colors.