9
QuizMultiple Choice

Universal Gravitation — Quiz

Question 9 • Earth and Space Science

What would most likely happen to the frequency of eclipses caused by the Moon if its orbital period were to increase?

Answer
A
The number of eclipses would remain the same because Earth's rotation would not change.
B
The number of eclipses would increase because it would spend more time near Earth.
C
The number of eclipses would decrease due to fewer orbital alignments per year.
D
The number of eclipses would increase because the Moon would orbit faster.

Explanation

If the Moon’s orbital period increased, it would complete fewer orbits—and pass through potential Sun-Earth-Moon alignments fewer times—in a year. That would generally mean fewer opportunities for eclipses, so the frequency of eclipses would decrease. Earth’s rotation does not determine how often these alignments occur.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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