The Phases of the Moon Can Be Described Using the Phase

question 2

Multiple Choice

The phases of the moon can be described using the phase angle , determined by the sun, the moon, and the Earth, as shown in the figure. Because the moon orbits Earth, changes during the course of a month. The area of the region A of the moon, which appears illuminated to an observer on Earth, is given by , where R = 1,080 mi is the radius of the moon. Approximate A for the following position of the moon:

• A)A = 943,920 mi ²
• B)A = 3,434,635 mi ²
• C)A = 1,151,699 mi ²
• D)A = 3,533,300 mi ²
• E)A = 3,775,680 mi ²

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