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Only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth because
  1. There is atmospheric refraction on earth whereas atmosphere is absent on Moon.
  2. Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that the Moon orbits the Earth
  3. The moon has a geoid shape and the earth has an axial tilt.
Select the correct answer code:
  • a)
    1,2
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    2, 3
  • d)
    1, 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth because There is atmos...
The near side of the Moon is the lunar hemisphere that always faces towards Earth, opposite to the far side. Only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth because the Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that the Moon orbits the Earth—a situation known as tidal locking.
Atmospheric refraction helps planets, stars twinkle and doesn’t decide which side of them is visible or invisible on earth.
Statement 3 is incorrect.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth because There is atmos...
Explanation:

The correct answer is option 'B', which states that only the second statement is true.

Reasoning:

Let's analyze each statement and determine whether it is true or false:

1. There is atmospheric refraction on Earth, whereas the atmosphere is absent on the Moon.
- This statement is not the reason why only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth. Atmospheric refraction occurs when light passes through the Earth's atmosphere and bends due to the variation in air density. However, it does not affect the visibility of the Moon's different sides.

2. The Moon rotates on its axis at the same rate that the Moon orbits the Earth.
- This statement is true. The Moon's rotation period (the time it takes for the Moon to complete one rotation on its axis) is about 27.3 days, which is the same as its orbital period (the time it takes for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth). As a result, the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth, which is why only one side is visible.

3. The Moon has a geoid shape, and the Earth has an axial tilt.
- This statement is not the reason why only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth. The Moon's shape is not a geoid but rather an oblate spheroid, similar to the Earth. The Earth's axial tilt refers to the inclination of its rotational axis relative to its orbital plane, which causes the seasons. However, it does not affect the visibility of the Moon's different sides.

Conclusion:

Based on the analysis, only statement 2 is true, explaining why only one side of the Moon is visible from Earth. The other statements are either irrelevant or incorrect in relation to this phenomenon.
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