Day and Night Cycles

Front

What causes day and night on Earth?

Back

The rotation of the Earth on its axis causes day and night. As the Earth rotates, different parts of it face the sun, experiencing daylight, while the opposite side is in darkness, experiencing night.

Front

What is the axis of the Earth?

Back

The axis of the Earth is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. The Earth rotates around this axis.

Front

How long does it take for the Earth to complete one full rotation?

Back

It takes approximately 24 hours for the Earth to complete one full rotation on its axis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is a shadow?

Back

A shadow is a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

Why do shadows change throughout the day?

Back

Shadows change throughout the day because the position of the sun in the sky changes as the Earth rotates.

Front

When are shadows the longest?

Back

Shadows are the longest in the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is lower in the sky.

Tags

NGSS.5-ESS1-2

Front

When are shadows the shortest?

Back

Shadows are the shortest at noon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.

Front

In which direction does the sun appear to rise?

Back

The sun appears to rise in the East.

Front

In which direction does the sun appear to set?

Back

The sun appears to set in the West.

Front

What is the tilt of the Earth's axis?

Back

The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees.