Solved Questions on Moon, Lunar Phases, and Eclipse
1. What is the main difference between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse?
a) Lunar eclipse involves the Moon, while solar eclipse involves the Sun.
b) Lunar eclipse occurs during the day, while solar eclipse occurs at night.
c) Lunar eclipse is more common than solar eclipse.
d) Lunar eclipse is visible from any location on Earth, while solar eclipse is only visible from specific regions.
Answer: a) During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. The Moon appears dark or reddish during this event. On the other hand, during a solar eclipse, the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun's light and causing a shadow on the Earth.
2. Keith wants to go swimming at the beach but the weather update says that since it's the new moon people should avoid going to the beach. Help him understand why?
a) Because there will be a higher chance of strong winds and storms.
b) Because the tides will be extremely high, making it unsafe for swimming.
c) Because the beach will be overcrowded with tourists during the new moon.
d) Because the tides will be extremely low, making it unsafe for swimming.
Answer: b) During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, causing its illuminated side to face away from Earth. This alignment results in a stronger gravitational pull between the moon and the Earth, leading to higher high tides. These high tides can create strong currents and potentially dangerous conditions for swimming.
3. What causes the Moon to appear reddish during a lunar eclipse?
a) Earth's atmosphere scatters light and it appears red
b) Moon's atmosphere reflects sunlight
c) Moon's surface emits reddish light
d) Sun emits reddish light during an eclipse
Answer: a) During a lunar eclipse, the Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, causing the Moon to appear reddish. This happens because the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon, but some sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere.
4. Which of the following is an example of how tides can impact human activities?
a) Navigation of ships and boats
b) Crop irrigation techniques
c) Hydroelectric plant efficiency
d) Internet connectivity
Answer: a) Tides are the rise and fall of ocean water, and they can affect different human activities. One example is the navigation of ships and boats. Tides determine the water levels in harbours and ports, making it important for sailors to know the timing of tides for safe travel.
5. Match the following lunar phases with their descriptions.
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Column I
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Column II
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1. Waxing Crescent
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A) The Moon is not visible during this phase.
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2. Waxing Gibbous
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B)Exactly half of the Moon's lit-up side is visible.
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3. Third Quarter
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C) The moon is more than a half-circle but not yet a full circle.
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4. New Moon
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D) Small sliver of the Moon becomes visible.
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a) 1:D, 2:C, 3:A, 4:B
b) 1:C, 2:D, 3:B, 4:A
c) 1:A, 2:B, 3:C, 4:D
d) 1:D, 2:C, 3:B, 4:A
Answer: d) Waxing Crescent: Small sliver of the Moon becomes visible.
Waxing Gibbous: The moon is more than a half-circle but not yet a full circle.
Third Quarter: Exactly half of the Moon's lit-up side is visible.
New Moon: The Moon is not visible during this phase.
FAQs
1. How far is the Moon from Earth?
The Moon is approximately 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) away from Earth.
2. What causes the Moon to shine?
There is no light produced by the Moon. It glows because it reflects solar light.
3. What are lunar phases?
Lunar phases are the different shapes or appearances of the Moon as it orbits the Earth. They include New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter, among others.
4. What is a New Moon?
When the Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun, it is known as a new moon. It appears like a black circle because its lighted side is facing away from us.
5. How often do lunar eclipses happen?
Lunar phases occur more frequently than lunar eclipses. Though not visible from every point on Earth during each eclipse, they can happen many times a year.
