Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

The moon is drifting away from Earth by _______________?

  1. 3.3

  2. 3.6

  3. 3.8

  4. 4.0
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Moon is drifting away from Earth at approximately 3.8 centimeters per year. This gradual increase in distance is caused by tidal interactions - Earth's rotation transfers angular momentum to the Moon's orbit through tidal bulges. Over billions of years, this has caused the Moon to slowly recede. The rate has varied throughout Earth's history but averages around 3.8 cm/year currently.

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