26. Which of the following is a true statement about Earth's moon?

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Moon reflects light from the Sun.

The statement that the Moon reflects light from the Sun is true. This characteristic is fundamental to how we perceive the Moon from Earth, as it does not emit its own light but rather shines by reflecting sunlight.

A) It supplies heat to Earth.

This statement is incorrect. The Moon does not supply heat to Earth; rather, it influences tidal forces and has an effect on the Earth's rotation, but it does not provide any direct heat.

B) It can be seen only at night.

This statement is misleading. While the Moon is often more visible at night, it can also be seen during the day. Its visibility depends on its phase and position relative to the Sun and Earth, so it is not limited to nighttime appearances.

C) It reflects light from the Sun.

This statement is correct. The Moon's surface is made of materials that reflect sunlight, making it visible from Earth. This reflection is what allows us to see the Moon in the night sky and sometimes even during the day.

D) It has an atmosphere similar to Earth's.

This statement is incorrect. The Moon has a very thin and tenuous atmosphere, known as an exosphere, which is vastly different from Earth's atmosphere. It cannot support life or weather as we know it, making this statement false.

Conclusion

The correct answer is that the Moon reflects light from the Sun, which is a fundamental aspect of its visibility from Earth. All other options fail because they either misrepresent the Moon's characteristics or completely disregard its physical properties. This distinction is essential for understanding the Moon's role in our solar system and its interaction with Earth.