The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true. A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon? E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth

The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true. A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon? E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth Correct Answer A, B

The correct answer is A, B.

Concept:

• The various shapes of the bright part of the moon as seen during a month are called phases of the moon.

Explanation:

Statement A: on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon

• A full moon occurs about once a month when the earth, sun, and moon are in a line and the earth is between the other two.
• The day on which the whole disc of the moon is visible is known as the full moon day. 
• A full moon occurs when we can see the entire illuminated area of the moon.
• Thereafter, every night the size of the bright part of the moon appears to become thinner and thinner.
• Hence, statement A correct.

Statement B: on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun is 

• A new moon occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, and thus the side of the Moon that is in shadow faces Earth.
• The new moon is the first lunar phase when the Moon and Sun have the same ecliptic longitude.
• On the fifteenth day, the moon is not visible. This day is known as the ‘new moon day’. 
• Hence, statement B correct.

The time period between one full moon to the next full moon is slightly longer than 29 days. In many calendars, this period is called a month.