Moon Phases Quick Check

Question

3 of 43 of 4 Items
Question
What is a difference between a waxing crescent and a waning gibbous? (1 point)
Responses

waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter

waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter

waxing crescent occurs during the first quarter waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter

waxing crescent occurs during the third quarter

waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter

waxing crescent occurs during the third quarter waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter

waxing crescent occurs during the fourth quarter

waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter

waxing crescent occurs during the fourth quarter waning gibbous occurs during the first quarter

waxing crescent occurs during the second quarter

waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter

Answer 1

The correct distinction between a waxing crescent and a waning gibbous is as follows:

• A waxing crescent occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter (during the first quarter phase leading up to the full moon).
• A waning gibbous occurs after the full moon and before the last quarter (during the third quarter phase leading down to the new moon).

So, the best response would be: "waxing crescent occurs during the second quarter; waning gibbous occurs during the third quarter."