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Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of E science. The diagram represents the Moon's orbit around Earth. Explain why the Moon's period of revolution and period of rotation cause the same side of the to always face Earth.

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Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of E
science. The diagram represents the Moon's orbit around Earth.
Explain why the Moon's period of revolution and period of rotation cause the same side of the
to always face Earth.

Base your answer to the following question on the diagram below and on your knowledge of E science. The diagram represents the Moon's orbit around Earth. Explain why the Moon's period of revolution and period of rotation cause the same side of the to always face Earth.

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HeleddMaster · Tutor for 5 years

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Step 1: Understanding the Moon's Period of RevolutionThe Moon's period of revolution is the time it takes for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth. This period is approximately 27.3 days.Step 2: Understanding the Moon's Period of RotationThe Moon's period of rotation is the time it takes for the Moon to complete one rotation on its axis. Coincidentally, this period is also approximately 27.3 days.Step 3: Tidal LockingThe fact that the Moon's period of revolution around the Earth and its period of rotation on its axis are the same is due to a phenomenon called tidal locking (or synchronous rotation). Tidal locking is the result of the gravitational interaction between the Earth and the Moon, where the Moon's rotation has slowed down over time due to the gravitational forces until it matched its orbital period around the Earth.Step 4: The Same Side Always Faces EarthBecause the Moon is tidally locked with Earth, it rotates on its axis in the same amount of time it takes to orbit Earth. This means that the same side of the Moon is always facing Earth, and we never see the far side of the Moon from our vantage point on Earth.Final Answer:The Moon's period of revolution and period of rotation cause the same side of the Moon to always face Earth because the Moon is tidally locked with Earth. This means that the Moon's rotation period is synchronized with its orbital period, resulting in the same hemisphere of the Moon facing Earth at all times.
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