LEAP Earth-Sun-Moon System Patterns 2

Question 1

Why does the Moon appear to change shape over the course of a month?

Accepted Answer

Different amounts of the sunlit side of the Moon are visible from Earth

Answer

As the Moon orbits Earth, we see varying portions of its sunlit half, creating the appearance of changing phases.

Question 2

A student notices that the Sun rises earlier each morning for several weeks. What season is most likely approaching?

Accepted Answer

Summer

Answer

As summer approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, Earth's tilt causes the Sun to rise earlier and set later each day.

Question 3

What is the term for the point in Earth's orbit when it is closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Perihelion

Answer

Perihelion is the point in Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun, occurring around January 3rd.

Question 4

During a full moon, where is the Moon located relative to Earth and the Sun?

Accepted Answer

On the opposite side of Earth from the Sun

Answer

During a full moon, Earth is between the Sun and Moon, so the entire sunlit face of the Moon is visible from Earth.

Question 5

Which event occurs when day and night are approximately equal in length all over Earth?

Accepted Answer

Equinox

Answer

During an equinox, Earth's axis is not tilted toward or away from the Sun, making day and night nearly equal in length.

(LEAP) Louisiana Educational Assessment Program Practice Test