Earth-Sun-Moon Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

Differentiate between rotation and revolution.

Rotation is spinning on an axis. Revolution is the movement of one object around another.

What causes day and night on Earth?

Day and night on Earth are caused by Earth's rotation on its own axis.

What determines a year on Earth?

An Earth year is determined by the time it takes to complete an orbit around the Sun.

Differentiate between waxing and waning moon phases.

Waxing phases occur when we see more of the moon each night. Waning phases occur when we see less of the moon each night. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between gibbous and crescent moon phases.

Gibbous phases occur when more than half of the moon's surface is seen. Crescent phases occur when less than half of the moon's surface is seen. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between full and new moon phases.

Full moon occurs when we see all the moon's surface. New moon occurs when we cannot see any of the moon's surface. Signup and view all the answers

List the phases of the moon in order, beginning with a New Moon.

New moon, waxing crescent, 1st quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, 3rd quarter, waning crescent. Signup and view all the answers

What are the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during a full moon?

Sun - Earth - Moon Signup and view all the answers

What are the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during a new moon?

Sun - Moon - Earth Signup and view all the answers

Why do we have day and night on Earth?

Because of the rotation of Earth on its axis. Signup and view all the answers

What do we call the time it takes Earth to make a complete trip around the sun?

A year Signup and view all the answers

About how long does it take the Earth to completely rotate on its axis?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between a Lunar and Solar Eclipse.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's shadow blocks the Sun from Earth. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow covers the Moon. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why total solar eclipses are rare.

The Sun, Earth, and Moon have to be in certain positions, and the Moon's shadow only covers a small part of the Earth. Signup and view all the answers

What shape is the Earth's orbit around the sun?

An ellipse (Elliptical) Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause for Earth's ocean tides?

The Moon's gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between a spring tide and a neap tide (including the position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth).

A spring tide has higher high tides and lower low tides. The Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned. A neap tide has lower high tides and higher low tides. The Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle. Signup and view all the answers

What phase(s) of the moon occur during a spring tide?

New and Full Signup and view all the answers

What phase(s) of the moon occur during a neap tide?

1st and 3rd quarter Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tide has the largest tidal range?

Spring Signup and view all the answers

Illustrate and explain the reason for the seasons on Earth.

The Earth experiences seasons due to the tilt of Earth on its axis. This tilt causes the hemisphere tilted towards the Sun to receive direct sunlight (summer) and the hemisphere tilted away from the Sun to receive indirect sunlight (winter). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rotation vs. Revolution

Rotation: The spinning of an object on its axis.
Revolution: The movement of one celestial body around another.

Day and Night

Caused by Earth's rotation on its axis.
When a location rotates away from the Sun, it experiences night.

Definition of a Year

A year on Earth is defined by the time it takes to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Waxing vs. Waning Moon Phases

Waxing Phases: More of the moon is visible each night.
Waning Phases: Less of the moon is visible each night.

Gibbous vs. Crescent Moon Phases

Gibbous Phases: More than half of the moon's surface is illuminated.
Crescent Phases: Less than half of the moon's surface is illuminated.

Full vs. New Moon Phases

Full Moon: Entire surface of the moon is visible.
New Moon: The moon is not visible from Earth.

Sequence of Moon Phases

Order: New moon, waxing crescent, 1st quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, 3rd quarter, waning crescent.

Celestial Positions During Full Moon

Alignment: Sun → Earth → Moon.

Celestial Positions During New Moon

Alignment: Sun → Moon → Earth.

Cause of Day and Night

Day and night result from Earth's rotation on its axis.

Duration of a Year

One year is the time taken by Earth to orbit the Sun.

Duration of Earth’s Rotation

Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one rotation on its axis.

Lunar vs. Solar Eclipses

Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon's shadow blocks the Sun as viewed from Earth.
Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when Earth's shadow covers the Moon.

Rarity of Total Solar Eclipses

Require precise alignment of Sun, Earth, and Moon; limited area of visibility due to Moon's shadow.

Shape of Earth's Orbit

Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical.

Ocean Tides

Caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon.

Spring vs. Neap Tides

Spring Tide: Higher high tides and lower low tides; occurs when Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned.
Neap Tide: Lower high tides and higher low tides; occurs when Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle.

Moon Phases During Spring Tides

Occur during New Moon and Full Moon.

Moon Phases During Neap Tides

Occur during 1st Quarter and 3rd Quarter.

Tidal Range

Spring tides generate the largest tidal range.

Reason for the Seasons

Earth's axial tilt causes varying sunlight intensity; the tilted hemisphere towards the Sun experiences summer, while the opposite hemisphere experiences winter.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key concepts related to the Earth-Sun-Moon system, including the distinctions between rotation and revolution, the causes of day and night, and the definition of a year. Ideal for students wanting to reinforce their understanding of celestial mechanics and Earth's movements.