Assertion (A): The same face of the Moon is always presented to the Earth.
Reason (R): The Moon rotates about its own axis in 23 days which is about the same time that takes to orbit the Earth.
A
Both (A) and (R) are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both (A) and (R) are individually true and R is not the correct explanation of A
C
A is true but R is false
D
A is false but R is true
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Assertion (A) is true. Due to synchronous rotation (tidal locking), the Moon rotates on its own axis at the same rate that it orbits the Earth, causing the same face to always be presented towards the Earth.
2. Reason (R) is false. The Moon's rotation period is approximately 27.3 days, which is about the same time it takes to orbit the Earth. The statement gives the period as 23.5 days (likely typo for 27.3 or a related period like synodic), which is incorrect. The crucial part is that the period is *about the same* as its orbital period, but the number given (23.5 days) is inaccurate for the sidereal rotation/orbit.
3. Since A is true and R is false, the correct option is (C).