The image above shows the Moon orbiting the Earth through eight positions. Five of the positions are labeled. At four of the five positions, the diagram along the outside shows the Moon's phase as viewed from the Earth. Which of the diagrams shown above on the right displays the correct phase for position 4?
A.
W
B.
X
C.
Y
D.
Z
The correct phase for position 4 is a waning crescent. Looking at the diagrams on the right, the correct phase for this position is displayed in diagram C.
To determine the correct phase for position 4, let's analyze each of the provided options and compare them to the diagram of the Moon's positions:
A. Option W shows a full Moon. This is not the correct phase for position 4, as the diagram shows a crescent shape.
B. Option X shows a waxing gibbous Moon. This is not the correct phase for position 4, as the diagram shows a crescent shape.
C. Option Y shows a first quarter Moon. This is the correct phase for position 4, as the diagram shows a half Moon shape, which corresponds to the first quarter phase.
D. Option Z shows a waning gibbous Moon. This is not the correct phase for position 4, as the diagram shows a crescent shape.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C, Y.
To determine the correct phase for position 4, we need to analyze the image and the moon phase diagrams provided.
Position 4 is located between positions 3 and 5. By looking at the moon phase diagrams, we can compare the appearance of the moon at these positions.
In position 3, the moon appears as a waning crescent, which means only a small portion of the moon's right side is visible. In position 5, the moon appears as a waxing crescent, showing a small portion of the moon's left side.
Therefore, position 4 should fall between these two phases, somewhere around a new moon, where no illumination is visible from the Earth.
Analyzing the options:
A. Display "W" resembles a crescent, which does not match a new moon.
B. Display "X" resembles a first quarter moon, which is not the correct phase for position 4.
C. Display "Y" resembles a full moon, which does not match a new moon.
D. Display "Z" resembles a new moon, which is the correct phase for position 4.
Therefore, the correct answer is option D. Display "Z" is the diagram showing the correct phase for position 4.