Question

(1) As seen in the sky, was the Moon getting farther from or closer to the Sun or did it seem to stay in the same position with respect to the Sun?

(a) Farther from the sun while waxing, closer to the sun while waning

(b) Farther from the sun while waning, closer to the sun while waxing

(c) always the same

(d) none of the above

(2) Why do you think the Moon's position in the sky changed as it did?

(a) Because of its rotation

(b) Because it orbits around the earth
(d) Because it orbits around the Sun

(c) Because of the relative position in the sky of the Moon, Earth, and Sun

(3) Why do you think the Moon's apparent shape changed as it did?

(a) Because the moon rotates
(b) Because the moon orbits the sun
(c) Because the moon is in the Earth's shadow
(d) Because of the relative positions of the Moon, Earth and Sun

Answer 1

Solution:(1) As seen in the sky the Moon is getting farther from the Sun while waning and closer to the Sun while waxing. During waxing Moon, on viewing from the earth the Moon and the Sun are in the same direction and during waning Moon, on viewing from the earth, the Moon and the Sun are in opposite directions.

(2) The Moon's position in the sky changed as it orbits around the earth and the earth orbits around the Sun.

(3) The Moon's apparent shape changed because of the relative positions of the earth, the Moon and the Sun.