Astronomy quiz question: effect of Earth's rotation

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2014
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Earth's rotation causes the __________, as seen by an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA.
(A) different phases of the moon.
(B) same side of the moon to face towards Earth.
(C) sun to appear in front of certain zodiac constellations at the same time each year.
(D) sun to rise and set.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (D)

The 24-hour rotation of Earth about its own axis causes the sun (which is essentially stationary with respect to Earth during this time) to appear to rise and set over approximately 10-14 hours for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA. (The approximately 28-day "moonth" cycle of the moon's phases is caused by the moon's approximate 28-day revolution in its orbit around Earth.)

Section 30676
Exam code: quiz01SLo3
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 34 students
(No response): 1 student

Success level: 77% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.33