Exploring Earth and Its Movements

What shape is the Earth?

• Oblate spheroid

• Flat disc

• Sphere

• Cube

Answer explanation

The Earth is best described as an oblate spheroid, meaning it is mostly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape results from its rotation, distinguishing it from a perfect sphere.

What causes day and night?

• The phases of the Moon.

• The rotation of the Earth on its axis.

• The tilt of the Earth on its axis.

• The distance of the Earth from the Sun.

Answer explanation

Day and night are caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. As the Earth spins, different parts face the Sun, creating daylight, while the opposite side experiences night.

How long does it take for the Earth to rotate once?

• 36 hours

• 48 hours

• 12 hours

• 24 hours

Answer explanation

The Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full rotation on its axis, which defines the length of a day. Therefore, the correct answer is 24 hours.

What is the term for the Earth's path around the Sun?

• Rotation

• Orbit

• Cycle

• Revolution

Answer explanation

The term for the Earth's path around the Sun is 'orbit'. While 'revolution' can also refer to this motion, 'orbit' specifically describes the curved path taken by the Earth as it travels around the Sun.

What causes the seasons to change?

• The tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun.

• The rotation of the Earth on its axis.

• Changes in ocean currents.

• The distance from the Earth to the Moon.

Answer explanation

The seasons change due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which affects how sunlight is distributed as the Earth orbits the Sun. This results in varying temperatures and daylight hours throughout the year.

How many seasons are there in a year?

• 2

• 5

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

There are 4 seasons in a year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season lasts about three months, making the correct answer 4.

What is the tilt of the Earth's axis?

• 15 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 30 degrees

Answer explanation

The tilt of the Earth's axis is approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun.

What happens during a leap year?

• A leap year is when the moon is full twice in a month.

• A leap year has 366 days, including February 29.

• A leap year has 365 days, including February 30.

• A leap year occurs every year without exception.

Answer explanation

A leap year occurs every four years to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's orbit around the Sun. It has 366 days, including February 29, which is added to account for the extra time it takes the Earth to complete its orbit.

What is the difference between rotation and revolution?

• Rotation is the same as revolution.

• Revolution is spinning in place; rotation is moving in a straight line.

• Rotation occurs only in space, while revolution occurs on Earth.

• Rotation is spinning on an axis; revolution is orbiting around another object.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that rotation refers to an object spinning on its own axis, like the Earth spinning on its axis, while revolution refers to an object orbiting around another object, such as the Earth orbiting the Sun.

Why do we have different lengths of day and night?

• The phases of the moon affect the length of day and night.

• The length of day and night is determined by the distance from the sun.

• Day and night lengths are the same everywhere on Earth.

• Different lengths of day and night are caused by the Earth's rotation and it's tilt.

Answer explanation

Different lengths of day and night are caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis and its axial tilt. This tilt leads to varying sunlight exposure throughout the year, resulting in longer days in summer and shorter nights in winter.