Openscied Earth in Space

The diagrams, labeled A, B, and C, represent equal-sized portions of the Sun’s rays striking Earth’s surface at 23.5° N latitude at noon at three different times of the year. The angle at which the Sun’s rays hit Earth’s surface and the relative areas of Earth’s surface receiving the rays at the three different angles of insolation are shown. As viewed in sequence from A to B to C, these diagrams represent which months and which change in the intensity of insolation?

• December → March → June; and decreasing intensity

• December → March → June; and increasing intensity

• June → September → December; and decreasing intensity

• June → September → December; and increasing intensity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

As the angle of the Sun’s rays striking Earth’s surface at noon changes from 90° to 43°, the length of a shadow cast by an object will

• decrease

• increase

• decrease, then increase

• increase, then decrease

The diagrams, labeled A, B, and C, represent equal-sized portions of the Sun’s rays striking Earth’s surface at 23.5° N latitude at noon at three different times of the year. The angle at which the Sun’s rays hit Earth’s surface and the relative areas of Earth’s surface receiving the rays at the three different angles of insolation are shown.

Which graph best shows the duration of insolation at this location as the angle of insolation changes?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Which statement best describes Earth’s approximate rates of rotation and revolution?

• Earth’s rotation rate is 15°/hour and its revolution rate is 1°/day.

• Earth’s rotation rate is 1°/hour and its revolution rate is 15°/day.

• Earth’s rotation rate is 24°/hour and its revolution rate is 360°/day.

• Earth’s rotation rate is 360°/hour and its revolution rate is 24°/day.

The path of a Foucault pendulum provides evidence that Earth

• rotates on its axis

• revolves in its orbit

• is tilted on its axis

• has an elliptical orbit

Which observation provides the best evidence that Earth revolves around the Sun?

• The constellation Orion is only visible in the night sky for part of the year.

• The North Star, Polaris, is located above the North Pole for the entire year.

• The Sun appears to move across Earth’s sky at a rate of 15°/hr.

• The Coriolis effect causes Northern Hemisphere winds to curve to the right.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

What is the latitude of the observer?

• 20° N

• 20° S

• 70° N

• 70° S

What is the general relationship between the altitude of the noontime Sun and the intensity of insolation received at a location?

• direct

• inverse

• constant

• cyclic

As viewed from Earth, most stars appear to move across the sky each night because

• Earth revolves around the Sun

• Earth rotates on its axis

• stars orbit around Earth

• stars revolve around the center of the galaxy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which observable change would occur in New York State if Earth’s rate of rotation were one-half its present rate?

• The Sun would rise in the southwest each day.

• The length of a day would be longer.

• The time needed to complete a cycle of Moon phases would be greater.

• The seasonal changes would not occur.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6