Rotation and Revolution

Choose the correct option

Question 1

Which of the following is true about the rotation of the earth?

1. The earth completes one rotation in 25:56:4.09 hrs
2. The earth's axis passes through the poles
3. The speed of rotation increases as we move towards the equator
4. All of the above.

Answer

All of the above

Note — There is a misprint in option 1. The correct statement will be — The earth completes one rotation in 23:56:4.09 hrs.

Question 2

What angle does the earth's axis make with the plane of earth's orbit?

1. 0°
2. 23½°
3. 66½°
4. 90°

Answer

66½°

Question 3

An apparent outward force that acts on a rotating object:

1. Centrifugal Force
2. Sunset Effect
3. Coriolis Effect
4. Rotational Effect

Answer

Centrifugal Force

Question 4

What is the shape of the path of the earth around the sun?

1. Oval path
2. Spherical path
3. Elliptic
4. Coriolis

Answer

Elliptic

Question 5

Which of the following is correct?

1. Aphelion : earth is closest to the sun
2. Aphelion: earth is farthest from the sun
3. Aphelion : moon is closest to the earth
4. Aphelion : the equator is closest to the sun.

Answer

Aphelion: earth is farthest from the sun

Question 6

What is the time difference between two consecutive lines of longitude?

1. 7½ minutes
2. 4 minutes
3. 1 minute
4. 3 minutes

Answer

4 minutes

Question 7

Which of the following is true about the revolution of the earth around the sun?

1. It results in the cycle of seasons
2. The direction of motion is the same as rotation
3. The speed is not uniform
4. All of the above.

Answer

All of the above

Question 8

Which of the following is true about the perihelion position of the earth?

1. It is farthest from the sun.
2. It occurs on 3 January.
3. The speed of revolution is the least.
4. All of the above.

Answer

It occurs on 3 January.

Question 9

The lighted part of the earth is called the :

1. Circle of Light
2. Circle of Illumination
3. Circle of Solstice
4. Circle of Equinox

Answer

Circle of Illumination

Question 10

Perihelion : 147.4 million km :: ............... : 152 million km

1. Aphelion
2. Equinox
3. Solstice
4. All of the above

Answer

Aphelion

Question 11

Which of the following is true about the aphelion?

1. Occurs on 4 July.
2. Summer in northern hemisphere
3. Speed of revolution is maximum
4. All of the above.

Answer

Summer in northern hemisphere

Question 12

Solstice : Summer/Winter :: ................ : Spring/Autumn

1. Solstice
2. Equinox
3. Vernal
4. None of the above.

Answer

Equinox

Question 13

Name the phenomenon when the regions beyond the Arctic Circle experience 24 hours daylight.

1. Daylight sun
2. Midnight sun
3. Arctic sun
4. Regional sun

Answer

Midnight sun

Question 14

The period of diffused light between sunset and complete darkness is called ................ .

1. dawn
2. dusk
3. twilight
4. Both (b) and (c)

Answer

Both (b) and (c)

Question 15

The duration of twilight :

1. increases to the poles
2. might last for as much as 7 weeks at the poles
3. is as long as the sun is 18° below the horizon
4. all of the above.

Answer

all of the above

Question 16

World Standard Time: 0° :: Indian Standard Time : ...............

1. 23½°
2. 72½°
3. 66½°
4. 82½°

Answer

82½°

Question 17

Greenwich Mean Time : ............... :: Indian Standard Time : 12:00 pm

1. 6:30 am
2. 5:30 am
3. 6:30 pm
4. 5:30 pm

Answer

6:30 am

Question 18

World Standard Time : ............... :: Indian Standard Time : Standard Meridian of India

1. World Standard Meridian
2. Prime Meridian
3. International Date Line
4. Greenwich Mean Time

Answer

Prime Meridian

Short Answer Questions

Question 1

What is meant by the inclination of earth's axis? At what angle is the earth's axis inclined?

Answer

The earth is always tilted in the same direction as it moves round the sun. The angle at which the earth is tilted is known as the inclination of the earth's axis.

The axis of the earth makes an angle of 23 1/2° with the vertical or 66 1/2° with the plane of the earth's orbit.

Question 2

Name the two chief motions of the earth.

Answer

The two chief motions of the earth are rotation and revolution.

Question 3

Describe two characteristics of rotation.

Answer

Two characteristics of rotation are-

1. Direction- The earth completes one rotation from west to east on its axis in 23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.09 seconds.

2. Inclination of axis- The earth is always tilted in the same direction as it moves round the sun. The angle at which the earth is tilted is known as the inclination of the earth's axis.

Question 4

State two effects of the rotation of the earth.

Answer

Two effects of the rotation of the earth are-

1. Day and night are caused by the rotation of the earth on its axis.
2. Rotation causes difference in time over various places on the earth.

Question 5

Mention any two possible consequences if the axis of the earth was vertical instead of inclined.

Answer

Two possible consequences if the axis of the earth was vertical instead of inclined are-

1. The length of day and night would have been equal at all places on the earth.
2. All the places on the earth would have had the same temperature throughout the year. There would be no seasons.

Question 6

State one reason why we do not feel the motions of the earth.

Answer

We do not feel the motions of the earth because the force of gravity keeps everything attached to the earth. This keeps all objects at rest with reference to the motions of the earth.

Question 7

What is an elliptic?

Answer

The path of the earth around the sun is known as elliptic.

Question 8

Define 'revolution'.

Answer

The motion of the earth around the sun in an elliptical orbit is called revolution.

Question 9

State two chief characteristics of the revolution of the earth.

Answer

Two chief characteristics of the revolution of the earth are-

1. The earth moves round the sun in an elliptical orbit at an average speed of 29.8 km per second.
2. When the earth is closer to the sun, the gravitational pull makes the earth move faster than when it is away from the sun. Thus, the speed of revolution is not uniform.

Question 10

Mention two effects of revolution.

Answer

Two effects of revolution are-

1. Revolution causes different seasons on earth due to differences in the heating of the earth.
2. The spherical shape of the earth along with revolution of the earth causes difference in the distribution of heat on the earth's surface and results in the creation of heat zones.

Question 11

What do you understand by perihelion and aphelion?

Answer

Due to the elliptical orbit of the earth, the distance between the earth and the sun varies. When the earth is closest to the sun, the position is called perihelion and when the earth is farthest from the sun, the position is called aphelion.

Question 12

On which two days are the days and nights equal all over the world and why? What name do you give to these days?

Answer

The days and nights are equal all over the world on March 21st and September 23rd because the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator making day and night of equal length.

March 21st is known as Spring or Vernal Equinox and September 23rd is known as Autumnal equinox.

Question 13

Which is the longest and which is the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere and why?

Answer

The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere is June 21st as the sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer and the North Pole is tilted towards the sun.

The shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere is December 22nd as the sun's rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn and the North Pole is tilted away the sun.

Question 14

On which dates does the sun shine vertically overhead at:

(a) Equator
(b) Tropic of Cancer
(c) Tropic of Capricorn

Answer

The sun shines vertically overhead at the:

(a) Equator on 21st March and 23rd September
(b) Tropic of Cancer on 21st June
(c) Tropic of Capricorn on 22nd December

Question 15

Why is noon hotter than morning?

Answer

Noon is hotter than morning because at noon, the sun is overhead. So, vertical rays of the sun fall at noon making the place hotter than the morning when slanting rays of the sun fall at a place.

Question 16

Why are days and nights equal at all places on earth on September 23? What are the seasons in the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres on this date?

Answer

Days and nights are equal at all places on earth on September 23 because on this date, the sun shines vertically over the equator, making day and night of equal length.

It is autumn season in the northern hemisphere and spring season in the southern hemisphere.

Question 17

What is meant by Summer Solstice? When do we have Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere?

Answer

On June 21, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun and the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. So, the northern hemisphere enjoys the longest day. This day is called Summer Solstice.

We have Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere on June 21st.

Question 18

What is meant by Equinox?

Answer

Equinox refers to the time when the sun shines vertically over the equator. At the equinoxes, the days and nights are of equal length throughout the world.

Question 19

What will be the duration of daylight on March 21st at 23°30'N and 66°30'S latitudes? Give reason.

Answer

The duration of daylight on March 21st at 23°30'N and 66°30'S latitudes will be 12 hours because on March 21st, the sun shines vertically over the equator and so the length of day and night is equal all over the world.

Question 20

What is the relationship of seasons between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Answer

The northern and southern hemispheres always experience opposite seasons. This is because due to the tilted axis of the earth, the north pole remains inclined towards the sun for a part of the year while the south pole is tilted away. For the remaining part of the year, the situation is reversed.

Question 21

How is the duration of twilight influenced by seasons?

Answer

The duration of twilight is influenced by seasons because it is related to the angle at which the Earth's axis tilts towards the Sun, which changes as the Earth orbits around the Sun throughout the year.

In summer, the Sun sets at a shallower angle, causing longer periods of twilight. The twilight period is defined as the time between sunset and when the Sun is 18° below the horizon. Since the angle of the Sun's descent is more gradual in summer, it takes longer for it to reach the 18° mark, resulting in longer periods of twilight.

In winter, the Sun sets at a steeper angle, causing it to reach the 18° mark more quickly, resulting in shorter periods of twilight.

Question 22

How has the phenomenon of the 'Midnight Sun' come about?

Answer

During the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the rays of the sun fall vertically on the Tropic of Cancer. The duration of sunlight increases from 12 hours at the equator to 13 hrs 27 minutes at 23 1/2° N and further to 24 hrs at 66 1/2° N. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the regions experience 24 hours daylight. This phenomena is called the ‘Midnight Sun’ and it only takes place at the poles.

Question 23

Mention one effect of seasons in low and high latitudes.

Answer

The effect of seasons in low and high latitudes is distinct through various phases of different seasons. Low latitude areas experience high temperature and get ample rainfall while the high latitude areas are cold and receive less rainfall.

Tropical regions are always warm with heavy rainfall season, the temperate regions are cold with scanty rainfall and the polar regions are covered with snow throughout the year due to extremely low temperature.

Question 24

Draw a well labelled diagram to show changes in the altitude of the midday sun at different times of the year.

Answer

Distinguish between the following

Question 1

Rotation and Revolution

Answer

Question 2

Vertical and Slanting Rays

Answer

Question 3

Equinox and Solstice

Answer

Structured Questions

Question 1(a)

What is meant by rotation of the earth? State three effects of the rotation of the earth.

Answer

The spinning of the earth on its axis from west to east once in 24 hours is called rotation of the earth.

Three effects of the rotation of the earth are:

1. Day and night are caused by the rotation of the earth on its axis.
2. Rotation causes difference in time over various places on the earth.
3. Sunrise and sunset are caused by the rotation of the earth from west to east.

Question 1(b)

What is the effect of the inclined axis of the earth on day and night?

Answer

Due to the inclined axis of the earth, the duration of day and night is different at different places of the earth. The time of day at any place is determined by the height of the sun in the sky.

Question 1(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Kuala Lumpur rotates faster on the earth's axis than London.
(ii) We always see the sun rising in the east.
(iii) Norway is called the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Answer

(i) Kuala Lumpur rotates faster on the earth's axis than London because Kuala Lumpur is closer to the equator while London is away from the equator and the speed of rotation is greater at the equator and decreases towards the poles.

(ii) We always see the sun rising in the east because the earth rotates from west to east.

(iii) Norway is called the Land of the Midnight Sun as Norway lies beyond the Arctic circle and hence, the sun is visible just above the horizon continuously for almost three months.

Question 1(d)

Draw a well labelled diagram to show inclination of the earth on its axis.

Answer

Question 2(a)

Describe how the duration of sunlight changes from the Equator to the Poles with respect to the angle of incidence during the solstices.

Answer

As the angle of incidence changes from 0° to 90° from Poles towards the Equator, the duration of sunlight also changes.

On June 21st, the equator receives 12 hours of sunlight which increases to 24 hours at the North pole and decreases to 0 hours at the South pole.

Similarly, on December 22nd, the equator receives 12 hours of sunlight which decreases to 0 hours at the North pole and increases to 24 hours at the South pole.

Question 2(b)

Describe how seasons are made and reversed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Answer

Due to the tilted axis of the earth, the Northern Hemisphere gets maximum sunlight from March to September and Southern Hemisphere from September to March. So, the seasons are also reversed e.g. the summer season in Northern Hemisphere correspond by winter in Southern Hemisphere and the spring is exchanged with Autumn season.

Question 2(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) The length of day and night is not equal at all places on the earth.
(ii) The period of twilight and dawn increases polewards.
(iii) 25th of December in New Zealand may be one of the hottest days of the year.

Answer

(i) The length of day and night is not equal at all places on the earth due to the tilted axis of the earth and the migration belt of the sun between Tropics of Cancer and. Capricorn.

(ii) The period of twilight and dawn increases polewards because of the oblique path of the sun rays towards the poles than the vertical path along the equator. Thus, the length of dawn and twilight is greater, as it is nearly one hour near equator and 50 days at the poles.

(iii) On December 22, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The sun shines directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn. The places in the southern hemisphere experience the summer season. Therefore, 25th of December in New Zealand may be one of the hottest days of the year.

Question 2(d)

Draw a well labelled diagram to show the tilt of the earth's axis and how the revolution causes seasons and variation in the length of day and night.

Answer

Thinking Skills

Question 1

Imagine if the earth stops its rotation on its axis. What would be its impact on the inhabitants of the earth? Give examples to support your answer.

Answer

If the Earth stopped rotating on its axis, it would have devastating effects on the planet and its inhabitants. Some of the specific impacts would be:

1. Drastic temperature differences — One side of the Earth would be perpetually facing the Sun, leading to incredibly high temperatures, while the other side would be facing away from the Sun, causing it to freeze.
2. Disruption of weather patterns — The rotation of the Earth is what drives weather patterns around the globe. If the rotation were to stop, weather patterns would be disrupted, causing extreme storms and potentially leading to droughts or floods.
3. Increase in seismic activity — The Earth's rotation helps to balance tectonic plates and magma pressure, so if the rotation were to stop, there could be a significant increase in seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
4. Changes in gravity — The Earth's rotation generates centrifugal force, which helps to counteract the pull of gravity. Without this force, the planet's gravitational field would change, leading to potential impacts on the orbit of the Moon and other celestial bodies.

If the earth stops rotating, it would have catastrophic consequences for life on the planet, making it one of the most significant natural disasters imaginable.

Question 2

You travel for winter vacation to Australia from India. What type of climate will be there in Australia? Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer

I went to Australia for winter vacation. I found the following climatic differences between India and Australia:

1. Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, its seasons are opposite to those in India. Therefore, when it was winter in India, it was summer in Australia.
2. The northern parts of Australia are tropical and experience hot and humid weather year-round, while the southern parts of the country have a more temperate climate.
3. The ocean currents surrounding Australia also affect its climate. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the west and the cooler waters of the Pacific Ocean to the east create different climate zones.

Question 3

On June 21, your uncle who lives in New York experiences summer, whereas your cousin who lives in Jakarta, experiences winter. Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer

On June 21, the summer solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere and the winter solstice occurs in the southern hemisphere. The tilt of the Earth's axis causes different parts of the planet to receive different amounts of sunlight at different times of the year. During the summer solstice, the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, while the southern hemisphere is tilted away from it, causing opposite seasons.

New York is located in the northern hemisphere, so it experiences summer on June 21. Jakarta, on the other hand, is located in the southern hemisphere, so it experiences winter on the same date.

Project/Activity

Draw a diagram to show the winter solstice and answer the following questions.

Question 1

Name the correct date depicted in your diagram.

Answer

December 22nd

Question 2

Name the latitude where the sun is shining vertically overhead.

Answer

23 1/2° S

Question 2

Name the part of the globe where there is night on this date.

Answer

The places lying beyond the arctic circle have night on this date.

Question 4

Name the latitude on which length of the day will be 24 hours.

Answer

66 1/2° S

Question 5

Give the date when the earth will be directly opposite to the above position.

Answer

June 21st

Question 6

What will be the vertical position of the sun on that date?

Answer

Sun will shine vertically on Tropic of Cancer (23 1/2° N).

Question 7

What is the effect of the inclination of the earth upon the length of day and night?

Answer

Due to the inclination of the earth, all places on earth have different length of day and night.

Question 8

What will be the probable length of day and night on that date?

Answer

The duration of day at the equator will be 12 hours at the equator and increase to 13.5 hours at 23 1/2° N and become 24 hours at 66 1/2° N. The remaining hours are night.