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Which of the following best represents the position of the Sun and the Earth during the full moon phase.

a.Earth--Moon--Sun
b.Earth--Sun--Moon
c.Moon--Earth--Sun
d.Sun--Earth--Moon

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

During a full moon, the Earth is between the Moon and the Sun, making the correct position Sun--Earth--Moon (option d). This allows the entire illuminated side of the Moon to be visible from Earth during the night.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Full Moon Phase

When considering the phases of the Moon, and specifically the full moon phase, it is important to understand the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. During a full moon, the Earth is positioned between the Moon and the Sun, allowing for the entire illuminated side of the Moon to be visible from Earth. This scenario is described as Sun--Earth--Moon, which corresponds to option d. This is the time when the Moon is opposite the Sun in the sky, rising at sunset and setting at sunrise. Diagrams such as Figure 4.14 might not accurately depict the distances and scales involved, but they help in understanding the basic positional relationship during different moon phases, including the full moon. Eclipses also relate to the positions of these celestial bodies; however, during a full moon when no eclipse occurs, the Moon's orbital tilt relative to Earth's prevents the Earth's shadow from falling on it.

User Epologee
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5 votes
D they would all be lined up
User Amrut
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