Earth's Rotation and Shadows

Front

What is Earth's rotation?

Back

Earth's rotation is the spinning of the Earth on its axis, which takes about 24 hours to complete one full turn.

Front

In which direction does the sun rise?

Back

The sun rises in the East.

Front

In which direction does the sun set?

Back

The sun sets in the West.

Front

What happens to shadows when the sun is low in the sky?

Back

Shadows are longer when the sun is low in the sky.

Front

What happens to shadows when the sun is high in the sky?

Back

Shadows are shorter when the sun is high in the sky.

Front

If it is 4:00 p.m. and the sun is setting in the West, where will the shadow point?

Back

The shadow will point East.

Front

If it is 8:00 a.m. and the sun is rising in the East, where will the shadow point?

Back

The shadow will point West.

Front

What time of day is it when shadows are shortest?

Back

Shadows are shortest around 12:00 p.m. (noon).

Front

How does the position of the sun affect the length of shadows?

Back

As the sun moves across the sky, the length of shadows changes; they are longest in the morning and evening and shortest at noon.

Front

What is the relationship between the sun's position and the direction of shadows?

Back

Shadows always point in the opposite direction of the sun's position in the sky.