Which statements about the moon’s phases are true? Check all that apply.

Question

The same side of the moon always faces Earth.
The moon shines because it reflects light from Earth.
A new moon occurs when the Sun shines on the side of the moon not facing Earth.
The waning gibbous and waning crescent occur immediately before the full moon.
During the waxing phases of the moon, the side lit by the Sun is not facing Earth.
A full moon happens when the Earth is between the Sun and the moon.

Answer 1

Let's evaluate each statement about the moon's phases:

1. The same side of the moon always faces Earth. - True. The moon is in synchronous rotation with Earth, meaning it rotates on its axis in the same time it takes to orbit Earth, resulting in the same side always facing us.

2. The moon shines because it reflects light from Earth. - False. The moon shines by reflecting sunlight, not light from Earth.

3. A new moon occurs when the Sun shines on the side of the moon not facing Earth. - True. During a new moon, the illuminated side of the moon is facing away from Earth, making it not visible from our perspective.

4. The waning gibbous and waning crescent occur immediately before the full moon. - False. The waning gibbous occurs after a full moon, followed by the last quarter and then the waning crescent before returning to a new moon.

5. During the waxing phases of the moon, the side lit by the Sun is not facing Earth. - False. During the waxing phases (new moon to full moon), the illuminated part of the moon that we see is increasing and is facing Earth.

6. A full moon happens when the Earth is between the Sun and the moon. - True. A full moon occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun.

Based on this analysis, the true statements are:

1. The same side of the moon always faces Earth.
2. A new moon occurs when the Sun shines on the side of the moon not facing Earth.
3. A full moon happens when the Earth is between the Sun and the moon.