The Earth, Moon and SunIB MYP Physics: Mind map

Exam questions on The Earth, Moon and Sun

1. A student in Reykjavik, Iceland, notices that in June the Sun stays above the horizon for about 21 hours each day, but in December it is up for only about 4 hours. Reykjavik is in the northern hemisphere.
   Explain why Reykjavik has much more daylight in June than in December.2 marks
2. Astronomers at an observatory in Chile record the appearance of the Moon every night. Over about 29.5 days its visible shape changes from a thin crescent to a full circle and back again. They also note that half of the Moon is always lit by the Sun.
   Explain why half of the Moon is always lit but the shape we see changes over the month.2 marks
3. A total solar eclipse is predicted to cross parts of Indonesia. About two weeks later, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across Africa and Europe. Eclipses do not happen every month, even though the Moon orbits the Earth about once a month.
   Describe how a solar eclipse happens.3 marks