Unit 8: Earth, Sun, & Moon

Impact of Objects in Space on Another

100

Both the Sun and the Moon influence Earth's tides, but the Moon's influence is greater than the Sun's. Why is this the case?

The Sun has more mass than the Moon. But the Moon is much closer to Earth than the Sun, so its gravitational force on Earth is greater.

200

Which position is Earth when the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing Summer?

Position D

300

Neap Tides occur when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth are in specific positions. Which 2 positions shown above will cause the neap tides?

A. positions 1 and 2

B. positions 1 and 3

C. positions 2 and 3

D. positions 2 and 4

D. positions 2 and 4

400

Which position would appear as a waxing crescent moon when viewed from Earth?

2

500

Lizzy observes the moon every 3 days for 15 days. She notices that over this 15-day period, the moon looks different. What accounts for the differences in the appearance of the moon over this time period?

The position of the moon in its orbit around Earth

Global Patterns, Jet Streams, Ocean Currents, & More!

100

The diagram illustrates the effect of the moon's gravity on Earth as it relates to the changing ocean tides. What's happening at point 4?

Low tide

200

What process is the main source of this movement?

Convection! The source of this movement is the heating by energy from the sun.

300

Differences in the heating and cooling rates of land and ocean affect air circulation. Land and water temperatures rise and fall at different rates because land absorbs and loses heat faster than water does. During the day, hot air rises and is replaced by cooler air. This small-scale circulation is called a sea breeze, and usually starts three or four hours after sunrise, reaching its peak by early afternoon. At night, the land is cooler than the water because the land has given up its heat to the atmosphere. The cool air flows over the warmer water and rises as it is warmed. This circulation is called a land breeze and usually starts to form in the late evening. It reaches its peak intensity near sunrise.

What is the heat transfer that creates the land breeze mentioned in the passage?

Convection

400

The map provided shows a jet stream, as well as high and low pressure zones. A decrease in air pressure is generally associated with increased cloud cover.

Based on this information, and the information on the map, which city shown on the map will most likely see more clouds over the next day or two?

1. Billings
2. Albuquerque
3. Boston
4. Orlando

D. Orlando 

500

A student researches climate data and determines that the eastern United States usually has higher humidity than the western United States does. Based on the ocean currents shown, which statement best explains the difference in humidity?

1. The air mass in the Atlantic Ocean is warmer than the air mass in the Pacific Ocean is, and a warmer air mass holds more water vapor than a colder air mass does
2. The air mass in the Pacific Ocean is colder than the air mass in the Atlantic Ocean is, and a colder air mass causes more evaporation than a warmer air mass causes.
3. The cold ocean current in the Pacific Ocean causes stronger winds than the warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean causes, and moisture evaporates from the Pacific Ocean air mass.
4. The air mass in the Atlantic Ocean is warmer than the air mass in the Pacific Ocean is, and a warmer air mass holds more water vapor than a colder air mass does

D. The air mass in the Atlantic Ocean is warmer than the air mass in the Pacific Ocean is, and a warmer air mass holds more water vapor than a colder air mass does

Weather vs. Climate

100

The graphs show the average temperature range and average precipitation.  

Which data would you use to make the most accurate statement about Denver's climate?

1. the average temperature range
2. the average monthly precipitation
3. the highest values for each of the graphs 
4. both the average temperature and average precipitation

D. both the average temperature and average precipitation

200

The area in which you live has a particular climate. It also has weather. What is the difference between climate and weather?

weather?

1. Climate is determined by temperature and precipitation, whereas weather is determined only by humidity, air pressure, and wind conditions.
2. Weather is determined by temperature and precipitation, whereas climate is determined only by humidity, air pressure, and wind conditions.
3. Climate is the condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place, whereas weather is the characteristic climate in an area over a long period of time.
4. Weather is the condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place, whereas climate is the characteristic weather in an area over a long period of time.

D. Weather is the condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place, whereas climate is the characteristic weather in an area over a long period of time.

Review

100

Early astronomers had varying beliefs on the organization of the solar system. One scientist, Aristarchus, believed in a heliocentric model. He used evidence of the size of the earth compared to the size of the sun to support his theory.

Why does Aristarchus's idea that the sun is much larger than the earth provide evidence for a heliocentric solar system?

1. Small objects rotate around larger objects
2. Large objects rotate around smaller objects
3. Small objects revolve around larger objects
4. Large objects revolve around small objects

C. Small objects revolve around larger objects

200

Which of the following is a true statement about scientific laws and theories?

1. Laws become theories after more evidence is collected.
2. Laws are statements of facts collected from scientific data, while theories are statements of opinion.
3. Theories become laws after more evidence is collected.
4. Laws are descriptions of phenomena, while theories are explanations of why phenomena exist.

D. Laws are descriptions of phenomena, while theories are explanations of why phenomena exist.

Mystery

100

An eclipse occurs because of a specific arrangement of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. Describe the arrangement that causes a solar eclipse

The Moon is in a line between Earth & the Sun.

200

Why is the concept of universal gravitation considered by scientists to be a law and not a theory?

It provides a description of a natural event, not an explanation of the event, so it is considered a law.

300

Which type of celestial event is depicted in the diagram?

A lunar eclipse

400

When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, it is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Why?

When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun.