8.7A Rotation and Revolution

Front

What is rotation?

Back

Rotation is the spinning of an object around its own axis. For example, Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours, causing day and night.

Front

What is revolution?

Back

Revolution is the movement of one object around another object in an orbit. For example, Earth revolves around the Sun once every year.

Front

How does Earth's tilt affect seasons?

Back

Earth's tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees causes different parts of the planet to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the four seasons.

Front

What causes day and night on Earth?

Back

Day and night are caused by Earth's rotation on its axis. When one side of Earth faces the Sun, it experiences day, while the opposite side experiences night.

Front

What is the significance of Position 1 in Earth's orbit?

Back

Position 1 represents the point in Earth's orbit where the northern hemisphere experiences the beginning of autumn.

Front

What is the significance of Position 3 in Earth's orbit?

Back

Position 3 represents the point in Earth's orbit where the northern hemisphere experiences the beginning of spring.

Front

What is the significance of Position 4 in Earth's orbit?

Back

Position 4 represents the point in Earth's orbit where the northern hemisphere experiences the beginning of summer.

Front

What is the effect of sunlight on Earth's rotation?

Back

Sunlight does not affect Earth's rotation speed, but it illuminates one side of the planet, creating day, while the other side remains dark, creating night.

Front

How can a spinning basketball model Earth's rotation?

Back

A spinning basketball can model Earth's rotation by showing how one side is illuminated (day) while the other side is dark (night) when a light is shone on it.

Front

What happens at the equator during equinoxes?

Back

During equinoxes, the equator experiences nearly equal amounts of day and night, as the Sun is directly above the equator.