BOOTCAMP EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE SC.8.E.5.9

What causes the different seasons on Earth?

• The distance of Earth from the Sun

• The tilt of Earth's axis

Answer explanation

The different seasons on Earth are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis. This tilt affects how sunlight is distributed across the planet, leading to variations in temperature and daylight throughout the year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following best explains why we experience high and low tides on Earth?

• The gravitational pull of the Sun

• The gravitational pull of the Moon

Answer explanation

The gravitational pull of the Moon is the primary force causing high and low tides on Earth. As the Moon orbits, its gravity pulls water towards it, creating bulges that result in high tides, while areas farther away experience low tides.

What is the primary reason for the occurrence of lunar eclipses?

• The Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun

• The Earth passing between the Sun and the Moon

Answer explanation

Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. This alignment is essential for a lunar eclipse to take place.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

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

• Full Moon

• New Moon

Answer explanation

The New Moon phase occurs when the Moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. In contrast, the Full Moon occurs when the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How does the gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Sun affect Earth's orbit?

• It keeps Earth in an elliptical orbit

• It causes Earth to spin faster

Answer explanation

The gravitational attraction between the Earth and the Sun is the primary force that keeps Earth in an elliptical orbit. This force balances the inertia of Earth's motion, preventing it from flying off into space.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is the main reason for the occurrence of solar eclipses?

• The Earth passing between the Sun and the Moon

• The Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun

Answer explanation

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light. This alignment is what causes the phenomenon, making the correct answer "The Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun."

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following best describes the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during a full moon?

• Sun, Earth, Moon

• Sun, Moon, Earth

Answer explanation

During a full moon, the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in that order. The Sun illuminates the Moon fully from the Earth's perspective, making the correct position Sun, Earth, Moon.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the effect of the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's oceans?

• It causes tides

• It causes earthquakes

Answer explanation

The Moon's gravitational pull creates a bulge in Earth's oceans, leading to the rise and fall of sea levels known as tides. This effect is primarily responsible for the regular tidal patterns observed in oceans.

Which of the following is true about the Sun's impact on Earth's climate?

• The Sun's gravity causes earthquakes

• The Sun's energy drives weather patterns

Answer explanation

The Sun's energy is essential for driving weather patterns on Earth, influencing temperature, wind, and precipitation. In contrast, the Sun's gravity does not cause earthquakes, making the second option the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

• The Moon completely covers the Sun

• The Earth completely covers the Moon

Answer explanation

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, blocking its light and casting a shadow on Earth. This phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align perfectly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1