8.7A Revolution Mini Flashcard #4

Front

What causes day and night on Earth?

Back

The rotation of Earth on its axis causes day and night. As Earth rotates, different parts of its surface move into and out of sunlight.

Front

What is the tilt of Earth's axis?

Back

Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons.

Front

How do seasons change in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Back

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa, due to the tilt of Earth's axis.

Front

What is the significance of the equinoxes?

Back

Equinoxes occur when day and night are approximately equal in length, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.

Front

What happens during the summer solstice?

Back

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around June 21, when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun.

Front

What is the winter solstice?

Back

The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around December 21, when the North Pole is tilted farthest from the sun.

Front

What is the role of Earth's orbit in seasons?

Back

Earth's orbit around the sun, combined with its axial tilt, determines the intensity and duration of sunlight received at different latitudes, leading to seasonal changes.

Front

What is the difference between revolution and rotation?

Back

Revolution refers to Earth's orbit around the sun, taking about 365.25 days, while rotation refers to Earth's spinning on its axis, taking about 24 hours.

Front

How does latitude affect climate?

Back

Latitude affects climate by influencing the angle of sunlight received; areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures.

Front

What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn?

Back

The Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S) mark the boundaries of the tropics, where the sun can be directly overhead at noon during solstices.