Earth Motions and the Seasons

On the Earth, a freely swinging pendulum gradually shows a change in the direction of its swing.  This change is evidence that the Earth

• is an orbiting natural satellite
• revolves around the Sun
• rotates on its axis
• has an elliptical orbit

The orbiting motion of the Earth is best described as 

• inclination
• revolution
• rotation
• declination

The day of the year, as units of time, are based on the motion of 

• the Moon
• the Earth
• the Sun
• the stars

The Coriolis effect provides evidence that the 

• Earth revolves around the Sun
• Earth rotates on its axis
• Earth has a magnetic field
• universe is expanding

Due to the Coriolis Effect in the northern hemisphere, the path of an object moving along the Earth's surface

• is deflected to the right of its path
• is deflected to the left of its path
• continues to move in a straight line

The constellation Orion is visible at night during the month of December, but not during the month of June.  This is due to

• The Earth's rotation on its axis
• The Earth's elliptical orbit
• The Earth's revolution around the Sun
• The Coriolis Effect

What is the rate that the Sun appears to travel along path X from sunrise to sunset?

• 10 degrees per hour
• 15 degrees per hour
• 23.5 degrees per hour
• 66.5 degrees per hour

What is one possible date that is represented by path X?

• September 21
• June 21
• September 21
• December 21

For which path will the Sun rise the earliest?

• Path X
• Path Y
• Path Z

Which path represents the Fall Equinox?

• Path X
• Path Y
• Path Z