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6.3 Formation of the Moon

The document discusses the formation of the Moon, primarily focusing on the Collision Theory, which posits that the Moon formed from debris after a Mars-sized body, Theia, collided with Earth. It presents supporting evidence for this theory, such as the Moon's density and rock composition similarities with Earth, while also addressing counterarguments and comparisons with Mars's moons. Additionally, the document includes Cambridge-style questions to assess comprehension and critical thinking regarding the Moon's formation.

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18 views

6.3 Formation of the Moon

The document discusses the formation of the Moon, primarily focusing on the Collision Theory, which posits that the Moon formed from debris after a Mars-sized body, Theia, collided with Earth. It presents supporting evidence for this theory, such as the Moon's density and rock composition similarities with Earth, while also addressing counterarguments and comparisons with Mars's moons. Additionally, the document includes Cambridge-style questions to assess comprehension and critical thinking regarding the Moon's formation.

Uploaded by

tivaa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Here’s a more comprehensive set of notes that includes all the information from the slides to

ensure nothing is missed:

6.3 Formation of the Moon

Origin Theories

1.​ Early 20th-Century Beliefs:


○​ The Moon was thought to have formed by splitting away from Earth soon after
Earth's formation.
2.​ Moon's Current Movement:
○​ The Moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of approximately 4 cm per year.
3.​ Introduction of the Collision Theory (1974):
○​ Proposed as a more plausible explanation for the Moon’s origin.
○​ Suggests the Moon was formed following a massive collision between Earth and
another celestial body.

Collision Theory

1.​ Key Concepts:​

○​ Most widely supported theory of Moon formation.


○​ Collision occurred soon after the Solar System's formation.
○​ A Mars-sized planet, Theia, collided with the newly formed Earth.
2.​ Formation Process: a. Theia (Mars-sized object) collided with Earth. b. The collision
caused the Earth’s outer layer to melt due to high temperatures. c. Dense iron from the
cores of both Theia and Earth combined to form Earth’s core. d. Less dense rocks were
ejected into space, cooled, and were captured by Earth's gravity. e. These rocks merged
under gravity, forming the Moon.​

3.​ Key Summary:​

○​ A smaller planet collided with Earth.


○​ Earth’s surface melted, and less dense materials formed the Moon.
○​ Rocks on Earth and Moon share similarities due to mixing during the collision.

Supporting Evidence for Collision Theory

1.​ Density:
○​ The Moon is less dense than Earth.
○​ The Moon has a small iron core, similar to Earth's.
2.​ Rock Samples:
○​ Lunar rock samples suggest the Moon's surface was once molten.
3.​ Similarity of Rock Composition:
○​ Rocks on Earth and the Moon share similar compositions.
4.​ Observations Beyond the Solar System:
○​ Evidence of similar collisions in other systems, creating rings of dust and rock.
5.​ Solar System Formation:
○​ Fits well with the broader theory of how the Solar System was formed.

Counterpoints & Additional Observations

1.​ Molten Surface Evidence:


○​ The Earth's surface shows no evidence of ever being molten like the Moon’s
surface.
2.​ Venus's Lack of a Moon:
○​ Despite similar conditions, Venus has no moon.
○​ Suggests collisions were common but not always resulting in moon formation.
3.​ Captured Object Theory:
○​ A captured object (e.g., asteroid) would likely have a composition different from
Earth.
○​ However, the Moon shares similarities with Earth, aligning with the collision
theory.

Comparison with Mars’s Moons (Phobos and Deimos)

1.​ If originally asteroids:


○​ Rock compositions would differ from Mars and from each other.
2.​ If formed by a collision:
○​ Rock compositions would be similar to Mars and to each other.

Key Questions (From Learner’s Book, Pn 227)

1.​ Theia’s Size:


○​ Closest in size to: Mars.
2.​ Composition Similarity of Rocks:
○​ Explanation: Rocks from Theia and Earth completely mixed during the collision.
3.​ Mars’s Moons: a. If asteroids: Rock composition differs from Mars. b. If
collision-formed: Rock composition similar to Mars.
Workbook Activities (Pn 120-121)

1.​ Evidence for Collision Theory:​

○​ The Moon is less dense than Earth.


○​ Rock samples indicate the Moon’s surface was once molten.
○​ The Moon has a small iron core, similar to Earth.
○​ Similarities in rock compositions between Earth and the Moon.
○​ Observations of similar collisions causing rings in other systems.
2.​ Counterarguments:​

○​ Earth’s surface lacks evidence of being molten.


○​ Venus, under similar early Solar System conditions, has no moon.
3.​ Rock Compositions:​

○​ Earth and Moon rocks are highly similar due to material mixing during the
collision.

This should now contain all the information from the slides, ensuring every detail is captured.
Let me know if you need further edits or explanations!

Here are Cambridge-style questions based on the information provided about the formation of
the Moon. These questions test comprehension, application, and analysis, typical of Cambridge
assessment formats.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1.​ The Collision Theory suggests that the Moon was formed after a collision between
Earth and another planet. What was the name of this planet-sized object?​

○​ A. Phobos
○​ B. Theia
○​ C. Deimos
○​ D. Titan
2.​ Why is the density of the Moon less than that of Earth?​
○​ A. The Moon contains more iron than Earth.
○​ B. The Moon formed from lighter materials ejected during the collision.
○​ C. The Moon was formed by capturing an asteroid.
○​ D. The Moon was formed from Theia’s core.
3.​ Which feature supports the collision theory of the Moon’s formation?​

○​ A. The Moon has a large iron core.


○​ B. Rocks on the Moon are entirely different from those on Earth.
○​ C. Rocks on the Moon are similar to those on Earth.
○​ D. Venus also has a similar moon formed by a collision.
4.​ What is the approximate rate at which the Moon is moving away from Earth?​

○​ A. 1 cm per year
○​ B. 4 cm per year
○​ C. 10 cm per year
○​ D. 40 cm per year

Short Answer Questions

1.​ Explain how the collision between Earth and Theia led to the formation of the
Moon.​
(3 marks)​

2.​ Describe two pieces of evidence that support the collision theory.​
(2 marks)​

3.​ Why is the composition of Moon rocks similar to those on Earth?​


(2 marks)​

4.​ Mars’s moons, Phobos and Deimos, were likely captured asteroids. How would
their rock compositions differ from Mars if this were true?​
(2 marks)​

Structured Questions

1.​ Compare and contrast the Collision Theory with the early 20th-century idea that
the Moon split from Earth.​
(4 marks)​
2.​ Why might Venus not have a moon despite collisions being common in the early
Solar System?​
(3 marks)​

3.​ Describe the sequence of events, according to the Collision Theory, that resulted
in the formation of the Moon. Include details about the role of gravity.​
(5 marks)​

Data Analysis and Evaluation

1.​ Scientists found that the Moon’s surface was once molten. How does this support
the Collision Theory? Discuss other evidence to evaluate the reliability of this
theory.​
(6 marks)​

2.​ A scientist claims that Phobos and Deimos were formed by a collision involving
Mars. Suggest one method they could use to test this hypothesis and describe the
expected results.​
(4 marks)​

These questions are structured to align with Cambridge assessment standards, focusing on
recall, understanding, and critical thinking. Let me know if you need more or specific question
types!

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