Earth's Rotation and Its Effects

What movement of the Earth causes day and night?

• Revolution

• Rotation

• Orbit

• Tilt

Answer explanation

The movement of the Earth that causes day and night is its rotation on its axis. As the Earth rotates, different parts face the Sun, creating day, while the opposite side experiences night.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What does the rotation of the Earth cause the Sun to appear to do?

• Stay still

• Move closer

• Rise and set

• Change color

Answer explanation

The rotation of the Earth causes the Sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west. This daily movement is an illusion created by the Earth's rotation on its axis.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following is true about the Sun's movement in relation to Earth?

• The Sun moves around the Earth

• The Sun does not move; the Earth moves

• The Sun rotates on its axis

• The Sun orbits the Earth

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the Sun does not move; the Earth moves. This reflects the heliocentric model where the Earth orbits the Sun, while the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky is due to Earth's rotation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What does the Earth rotate on?

• Its orbit

• Its axis

• Its equator

• Its poles

Answer explanation

The Earth rotates on its axis, an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. This rotation is responsible for the cycle of day and night, unlike its orbit, equator, or poles.

What is the axis of the Earth?

• A real line that runs from east to west

• An imaginary line that runs from the North to the South Pole

• A visible line that circles the equator

• A line that runs from the east to the west

Answer explanation

The Earth's axis is an imaginary line that extends from the North Pole to the South Pole, around which the Earth rotates. This distinguishes it from other options that describe physical lines or incorrect orientations.

Why do different parts of the Earth receive different amounts of sunlight?

• Because the Earth is flat

• Because the Earth rotates on its axis

• Because the Earth is stationary

• Because the Earth is closer to the sun

Answer explanation

Different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight due to the Earth's rotation on its axis. This rotation causes different areas to face the sun at different times, leading to variations in sunlight exposure.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How long does it take for the Earth to complete one full rotation?

• 12 hours

• 24 hours

• 48 hours

• 72 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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is it called when the side of the Earth is facing the Sun?

• Night time

• Twilight

• Daylight

• Midnight

Answer explanation

The side of the Earth facing the Sun experiences sunlight, which is referred to as daylight. This is the opposite of night time, when that side is not illuminated by the Sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What happens when the side of the Earth is facing away from the Sun?

• Daylight

• Night time

• Sunrise

• Noon

Answer explanation

When the side of the Earth faces away from the Sun, it experiences night time. This is because the Sun's light is not reaching that part of the Earth, resulting in darkness.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun?

• Circle

• Ellipse

• Square

• Triangle

Answer explanation

Earth's orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle; it is an ellipse. This means it has a slightly elongated shape, which causes variations in distance from the Sun throughout the year.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1