Astronomy quiz question: time for next moon phase

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Approximately how much time elapses between consecutive moon phases?
(A) An hour.
(B) 12 hours.
(C) 24 hours.
(D) Several days.
(E) 28 days.

Correct answer: (D)

With eight named moon phases, and approximately 28 days for a cycle of moon phases (a "moonth"), it takes one week for each quarter, or 3.5 days ("several days") to go to to next consecutive moon phase.

Section 70160
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 7 students
(C) : 12 students
(D) : 11 students
(E) : 10 students

"Success level": 31% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.55