Determine whether each statement about the lunar cycle is true or false.(11 points)

Question

True False
The moon's gravity causes our tides on earth.

The moon is bigger than the Earth

During an equinox, the sun is located directly over Earth's equator.

Earth's tilt is the reason for the seasons

The term waning is used to describe when the lighted portion of the Moon appears to get larger

During the new moon phase we can see light shining on the moon

When the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, it is most likely a full moon.

The moon emits its own light.

The lunar cycle is approximately 4 weeks.

The yearly orbit of Earth around the Sun is called a revolution.

In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on June 21 or 22.

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Answer 1

Here are the answers to the statements regarding the lunar cycle, along with brief explanations:

1. The moon's gravity causes our tides on earth.
   True - The gravitational pull of the moon (and to a lesser extent, the sun) causes tides on Earth.

2. The moon is bigger than the Earth.
   False - The moon is much smaller than Earth, with a diameter about 1/4 that of Earth.

3. During an equinox, the sun is located directly over Earth's equator.
   True - During an equinox, the sun is positioned directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night.

4. Earth's tilt is the reason for the seasons.
   True - The tilt of Earth’s axis (about 23.5 degrees) relative to its orbital plane causes the seasonal variations we experience.

5. The term waning is used to describe when the lighted portion of the Moon appears to get larger.
   False - "Waning" refers to the phase where the lighted portion of the moon appears to decrease, while "waxing" is when it appears to get larger.

6. During the new moon phase we can see light shining on the moon.
   False - During the new moon phase, the side of the moon that is illuminated by the sun is facing away from Earth, making it invisible to us.

7. When the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, it is most likely a full moon.
   True - A full moon occurs when the Earth is between the moon and the sun, fully illuminating the moon.

8. The moon emits its own light.
   False - The moon does not produce its own light; it reflects sunlight.

9. The lunar cycle is approximately 4 weeks.
   True - The lunar cycle, or the time between new moons, is approximately 29.5 days, which is about 4 weeks.

10. The yearly orbit of Earth around the Sun is called a revolution.
    True - The term for Earth's yearly orbit around the Sun is called a revolution.

11. In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on June 21 or 22.
    False - In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs around December 21 or 22.

Summary of Answers:

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. True
11. False