P1.4.3 - The Earth

Question 1

Why are the groups of stars (constellations) that we see at night in the Summer different to the ones that we see in the winter?

Answer 1

Because the side of the Earth that has night is pointing at different stars at different times of the year.

Question 2

Suggest a good piece of evidence that shows us that the Earth is spinning.

Answer 2

If you take photosgraphs of the stars they appear to move in circles.

Question 3

The tilt of the Earth is the reason that we have…

Answer 3

seasons

Question 4

Why is it hotter in Summer than in Winter?

Answer 4

Because the Earth is tilted towards the Sun.

The Suns rays are spread over a smaller area.

Question 5

The sun moves around the Sun. What is the scientific name for this movement?

Answer 5

Orbit

Question 6

Why do we have day and night?

Answer 6

The Sun only ever shines on 1 half of the Earth.

The Earth spins on its axis.

The side that the Sun is not shining on is experiencing night time.

Question 7

How long does it take for the Sun to rotate on its axis once?

Answer 7

24 hours

Question 8

What do we call groups of stars in the sky that form a pattern?

Answer 8

Constellations

Question 9

How many days are ther ein a year?

Answer 9

365.25

(the quaters add up every 4 years to give 366 days - a leap year)

Question 10

From which direction does the Sun rise?

Answer 10

In the East

Question 11

The invisible line that runs between the north and south pole is called the Earth’s…

Answer 11

Axis

Question 12

How long does it take the Earth to orbit the Sun once?

Answer 12

A year

Question 13

The Earth spins around on its…

Answer 13

axis

Question 14

Why does the Sun appear to move across the sky?

Answer 14

Because the Earth is spinning.

The Sun does not move!!

Question 15

The Earth’s axis (and therefore the Earth) is tilted at an angle of…

Answer 15

23.4°

Question 16

Why does the Sun not set in the North Pole during Summer?

Answer 16

Because the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun

Question 17

In which direction does the Sun set?

Answer 17

In the West

Question 18

When does the Sun reach its highest point in the sky?

Answer 18

At midday (noon - 12:00pm)

Question 19

Explain why the length of the day changes during the year.

Answer 19

The Earth’s axis is tilted.

So the days are longer in the summer (January) than in winter (July).

Question 20

State and explain the difference between your shadow length at noon in January and in July.

Answer 20

The Sun is higher in the sky in July

So the shadow will be shorter/smaller

Question 21

Why is the average temperature of the Northern hemisphere higher in January than July?

Answer 21

The Sun’s radiation (light) is spread over a smaller area in the summer than in the winter.

Radiation from the Sun is more concentrated.

Question 22

Why is the North Star (Polaris) useful for navigation?

Answer 22

Polaris shows you where north is.

Polaris doesn’t move.

Question 23

Explain why the paths of stars are circles

Answer 23

The Earth is spinning on its axis.

The stars make a path centred on the point above the North Pole.