/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 9 What is the difference between a... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 3: Problem 9

What is the difference between a sidereal month and a synodic month? Which is longer? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The difference between a sidereal month and a synodic month lies in what they are based on. A sidereal month, about 27.3 days, is measured by the Moon's orbit relative to the stars, while a synodic month, about 29.5 days, is measured based on the phases of the Moon. The synodic month is longer because the Earth also moves around the Sun in the time it takes for the Moon to complete one orbit of the Earth.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Sidereal Month

Sidereal month refers to the lunar cycle that is measured by the Moon's orbit relative to the stars. It is the time it takes for the Moon to return to the same position in the sky as referenced to the stars. This period lasts approximately 27.3 days.
02

Definition of Synodic Month

Synodic month refers to the lunar cycle that is measured based on the phases of the Moon. It is the period from one New Moon to the next New Moon. This period lasts approximately 29.5 days.
03

Comparison and Explanation

The synodic month is longer than the sidereal month. This is because the Earth is also moving around the Sun. In the time it takes for the Moon to complete one orbit of the Earth (sidereal month), the Earth has moved in its orbit around the Sun. Thus, it takes a little longer for the Moon to return to the same phase (synodic month).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In his 1885 novel King Solomon's Mines, H. Rider Haggard described a total solar eclipse that was seen in both South Africa and in the British Isles. Is such an eclipse possible? Why or why not?

What is a penumbral eclipse of the Moon? Why do you suppose that it is easy to overlook such an eclipse?

The plane of the Moon's orbit is inclined at a \(5^{\circ}\) angle from the ecliptic, and the ecliptic is inclined at a \(231 / 2^{\circ}\) angle from the celestial equator. Could the Moon ever appear at your zenith if you lived at (a) the equator; (b) the south pole? Explain your answers.

How many more sidereal months than synodic months are there in a year? Explain.

On a certain date the Moon is in the direction of the constellation Gemini as seen from Earth. When will the Moon next be in the direction of Gemini: one sidereal month later, or one synodic month later? Explain.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Quantum Physics

Read Explanation

Waves Physics

Read Explanation

Translational Dynamics

Read Explanation

Electromagnetism

Read Explanation

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Work Energy and Power

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.