Question

When does total solar eclipse occur?
A. When moon completely covers sun as seen from earth
B. When sun completely covers moon as seen from earth
C. When Earth completely covers sun as seen from moon
D. None

Answer 1

Hint:The question requires a basic idea about eclipse. The position of the Moon decides whether the eclipse is a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse. A total solar eclipse or partial solar eclipse will be considered in the alignment of Sun, Moon and Earth.

Complete answer:

The solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon when a part of the Earth is subjected to a shadow by the moon. Solar eclipse occurs when Sun, Moon and are aligned as shown in the figure above that is on the same axis. A solar eclipse can only take place at the phase of a new moon, when the moon passes directly between the sun and earth and its shadows fall upon earth’s surface. The alignment produces a total solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse.

When the moon orbits the Earth, the Moon moves between the Earth and Sun. When this happens, the moon will block the light of the sun from reaching the earth. This makes the solar eclipse happen. Hence during solar eclipse, the moon casts a shadow onto the Earth.

Hence, the correct option is A.

Note:The solar eclipse can be either total solar eclipse or partial solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse happens only when the sun is completely blocked by the moon. It should be noted that solar eclipse occurs when the moon is between Sun and Moon whereas lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is between Sun and Moon.