During the first and third quarters, which statement is true about the Moon's illumination?

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Prepare for the CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest 2. Dive into math and science with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offering hints and explanations. Gear up for your success!

Multiple Choice

During the first and third quarters, which statement is true about the Moon's illumination?

Explanation:
Moon illumination depends on how much of the Sunlit side of the Moon we can see from Earth. During the first and third quarter phases, the Sun, Moon, and Earth form a right angle, so sunlight hits exactly half of the Moon’s near side. We see a half-moon, meaning about 50% of the Moon is illuminated. In everyday terms this is often described as a quarter moon, since it’s one of the four main phases, but the key point is the illuminated fraction is half. The full moon has all of the near side lit, and the new moon has none, so those describe the other points in the cycle.

Moon illumination depends on how much of the Sunlit side of the Moon we can see from Earth. During the first and third quarter phases, the Sun, Moon, and Earth form a right angle, so sunlight hits exactly half of the Moon’s near side. We see a half-moon, meaning about 50% of the Moon is illuminated. In everyday terms this is often described as a quarter moon, since it’s one of the four main phases, but the key point is the illuminated fraction is half. The full moon has all of the near side lit, and the new moon has none, so those describe the other points in the cycle.

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