Chapter 3 Flashcards
Rotation and Revolution
What is the rotation of the Earth?
The rotation of the Earth is the spinning of the planet on its axis, taking approximately 24 hours to complete one full turn.
True or False: The Earth revolves around the Sun in a perfectly circular orbit.
False: The Earth’s orbit around the Sun is elliptical.
Fill in the blank: The time it takes for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun is approximately _____ days.
365.25
What are solstices?
Solstices are the points in the year when the Sun is at its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days.
What are equinoxes?
Equinox refers to time when the sun crosses the plane of the earths equator, making night and day of equal length
Which solstice occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere?
The Summer Solstice.
What phenomenon occurs during the Winter Solstice?
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Multiple Choice: How many equinoxes occur each year?
Two: one in spring and one in autumn.
What is the angle of the Earth’s axial tilt?
Approximately 23.5 degrees.
True or False: The equinoxes occur on the same date each year.
True, around March 21st and September 23rd.
What is the angle of inclination of the Earth’s axis?
Approximately 23.5 degrees.
True or False: The tilt of the Earth’s axis affects the seasons.
True.
What are the positions called when the Earth is closest and farthest from the Sun?
Perihelion and Aphelion.
Fill in the blank: The Earth reaches perihelion around ______ each year.
January 3.
What is the significance of the Earth’s axial tilt?
It causes variations in sunlight and temperature, leading to seasons.
When does the Earth reach aphelion?
Around July 4 each year.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the Earth’s axial tilt? A) Seasons B) Ocean currents C) Day length D) Lunar phases
D) Lunar phases.
What effect does the Earth’s axial tilt have on the equator compared to the poles?
The equator experiences less variation in temperature and daylight than the poles.
True or False: The axial tilt of the Earth remains constant over long periods.
False; it varies slightly over time due to gravitational interactions.
What is the primary reason for the Earth experiencing different seasons?
The axial tilt of the Earth as it orbits the Sun.
