Question 7 of 10intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

The Moon is much smaller than the Sun, yet it can block the Sun completely from our view during a total solar eclipse. Why is it possible?

Correct Answer

Although the Moon is much smaller than the Sun in actual physical size, it appears large enough to completely cover the Sun because it is much closer to the Earth than the Sun.

The apparent size of an object in the sky depends on both its actual size and its distance from the observer.

Since the Moon is much closer to Earth, its apparent size in the sky is similar to that of the Sun, allowing it to completely block the Sun during a total solar eclipse.

Exercise: Let Us Enhance Our Learning | Q: 9 | (Page Page 17)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter explains this through Activity 12.4: 'The size of any object as seen by your eye—also known as apparent size—depends upon both its actual physical size and its distance from you.' It further states: 'The apparent sizes of the Moon and the Sun in the sky are similar when viewed from the Earth. This is so because though the Moon is much smaller in physical size than the Sun, the Moon is much closer to us compared to the Sun.'

Solution Steps

  1. The Moon is much smaller than the Sun in actual physical size.

  2. The Moon appears large enough to cover the Sun because it is much closer to Earth.

  3. Apparent size depends on both actual size and distance from the observer.

  4. The Moon's apparent size in the sky is similar to that of the Sun when viewed from Earth.

  5. This similarity in apparent size allows the Moon to completely block the Sun during a total solar eclipse.

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