Rotation and Revolution

Fill in the Blanks (20 Marks)

1. The spinning of the Earth on its axis is called rotation.

2. The Earth completes one full rotation in 24 hours.

3. The axis of the Earth is tilted at an angle of 23½° from the vertical.

4. The apparent movement of the sun, moon, and stars is due to Earth’s rotation.

5. The force that causes winds and ocean currents to be deflected is called Coriolis
Effect.

6. The imaginary line passing through the center of the Earth is called the axis.

7. The speed of Earth’s rotation is fastest at the equator.

8. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun causes seasons.

9. The Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit.

10. The time taken by the Earth to complete one revolution is 365 days and 6
hours.

11. The closest position of the Earth to the Sun is called perihelion.

12. The farthest position of the Earth from the Sun is called aphelion.

13. The Summer Solstice occurs on June 21.

14. The Winter Solstice occurs on December 22.

15. The imaginary circle dividing the Earth into day and night is called the
circle of illumination.

16. The time difference between two consecutive longitudes is 4 minutes.

17. The phenomenon of 24 hours of daylight in polar regions is called Midnight

Sun.

18. If the Earth's axis were not tilted, there would be no seasons.

19. The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere is on June 21.

20. The shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere is on December 22.

True or False (20 Marks)

1. The Earth takes exactly 24 hours to complete one rotation. (False, it takes 23
hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09 seconds)

2. The Coriolis Effect is responsible for the movement of ocean currents. (True)

3. Perihelion occurs in July. (False, it occurs in January)

4. The Sun appears to rise in the West due to Earth’s rotation. (False, it rises in
the East)
5. If the Earth's axis were vertical, day and night would be equal throughout the
year. (True)

6. The speed of rotation increases as we move toward the poles. (False, it

decreases toward the poles)

7. The Earth's revolution is responsible for the Coriolis Effect. (False, rotation
causes it)

8. Aphelion is the point where the Earth is farthest from the Sun. (True)

9. The Midnight Sun occurs in equatorial regions. (False, it occurs near the
poles)

10. The circle of illumination divides the Earth into two hemispheres. (True)

11. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23½°. (True)

12. Rotation causes changes in seasons. (False, revolution causes it)

13. The duration of daylight is the same throughout the year everywhere on
Earth. (False, it varies due to inclination)

14. The Arctic Circle experiences six months of continuous daylight and
darkness. (True)

15. The speed of Earth’s revolution around the Sun is constant. (False, it
varies due to elliptical orbit)

16. The Earth's rotation causes the bulging of the equator. (True)

17. Leap years occur every four years because of the extra 6 hours in a year.
(True)

18. The Summer Solstice occurs in December in the Northern Hemisphere.

(False, it occurs in June)

19. Equinoxes occur when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer.
(False, it is overhead at the Equator)

20. If the Earth stopped rotating, there would still be day and night as usual.
(False, one side would always face the Sun and the other would remain
dark)

Name the Following (20 Marks)

1. The phenomenon that makes the Sun appear to rise in the East. Rotation

2. The imaginary line passing through the Earth’s center. Axis

3. The position where the Earth is closest to the Sun. Perihelion

4. The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer Solstice

5. The apparent movement of stars due to Earth's rotation. Diurnal Motion

6. The force that deflects winds and ocean currents. Coriolis Effect

7. The time when day and night are equal worldwide. Equinox
8. The farthest point of Earth from the Sun. Aphelion

9. The type of orbit the Earth follows around the Sun. Elliptical Orbit

10. The imaginary line that divides the Earth into day and night. Circle of
Illumination

11. The speed of Earth's rotation at the equator (1670 km/h) creates this force.
Centrifugal Force

12. The region where the Sun remains visible for 24 hours in summer. Arctic
Circle

13. The day when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn.
Winter Solstice

14. The path along which the Earth moves around the Sun. Orbit

15. The duration of Earth's revolution around the Sun. 365 days and 6 hours

16. The movement of Earth that results in time zones. Rotation

17. The point where the Earth is tilted away from the Sun in the Northern
Hemisphere. Winter Solstice

18. The zone where the Sun’s rays fall most directly. Torrid Zone

19. The phenomenon that causes bulging at the equator. Centrifugal Force

20. The force of attraction that keeps planets in orbit. Gravity

Give Reasons (20 Marks)

1. Why do we experience day and night?

o Because of Earth's rotation on its axis, different parts of the Earth receive
sunlight at different times.

2. Why are seasons caused on Earth?

o Due to the Earth's revolution and the tilt of its axis, different parts
receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

3. Why do winds in the Northern Hemisphere deflect to the right?

o Due to the Coriolis Effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, moving air is
deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

4. Why do places near the equator experience almost equal day and night
throughout the year?

o Because the Sun’s rays fall vertically at the equator, and the tilt of the
Earth has minimal effect there.

5. Why is the speed of Earth’s rotation fastest at the equator?

o The Earth is widest at the equator, so it has to cover more distance in 24

hours, leading to a higher speed of 1670 km/hr.

6. Why do the Poles experience six months of continuous day and night?
 o Due to the Earth’s tilted axis, one pole remains tilted towards the Sun for
six months and away for the other six months.

7. Why is the Earth’s orbit called elliptical?

o Because the Earth's path around the Sun is not a perfect circle but an
elongated shape called an ellipse.

8. Why does the length of day and night change throughout the year?

o Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its revolution around the Sun,
different areas receive different amounts of sunlight.

9. Why does the Sun appear to move from East to West?

o Because the Earth rotates from West to East, making celestial objects
appear to move in the opposite direction.

10. Why is the Summer Solstice the longest day of the year in the
Northern Hemisphere?

 On June 21, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, causing longer daylight
hours.

11. Why do ocean currents follow a curved path instead of moving

straight?

 Due to the Coriolis Effect, caused by Earth's rotation, water currents are
deflected from a straight path.

12. Why do countries near the poles experience extreme variations in

climate?

 Due to oblique sun rays, which provide less heat, and the tilt of the Earth,
which results in long summers and winters.

13. Why is the Winter Solstice the shortest day of the year in the
Northern Hemisphere?

 On December 22, the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun, reducing
daylight duration.

14. Why do we not feel the Earth’s movement?

 Because everything, including the atmosphere, moves at the same speed as the
Earth, making motion unnoticeable.

15. Why does the Sun appear larger at sunrise and sunset?

 Due to atmospheric refraction, the light from the Sun bends, making it appear
larger near the horizon.

16. Why do we need leap years?

 Because one revolution takes 365 days and 6 hours, adding up to one extra
day every four years.

17. Why do satellites remain in orbit around the Earth?

 Due to the balance between gravitational pull and the satellite’s forward
motion.

18. Why do different hemispheres have opposite seasons?

 Because when one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer,
while the other, tilted away, experiences winter.

19. Why do different latitudes have different temperatures?

 Due to the angle of Sun’s rays, which are direct at the equator and spread out
at higher latitudes.

20. Why do time zones exist?

 Because the Earth is divided into 360° of longitude, and each 15° longitude
equals one-hour time difference.

Meaning of the Words (20 Marks)

1. Rotation – The spinning of the Earth on its axis from west to east.

2. Revolution – The movement of the Earth around the Sun in an elliptical orbit.

3. Coriolis Effect – The deflection of winds and ocean currents due to Earth's
rotation.

4. Solstice – The time when the Sun is at its highest or lowest point, causing
the longest or shortest days.

5. Equinox – The time when day and night are equal across the world.

6. Perihelion – The point in Earth's orbit when it is closest to the Sun (January
3rd).

7. Aphelion – The point in Earth's orbit when it is farthest from the Sun (July
4th).

8. Axis – An imaginary line passing through the center of the Earth, connecting
the North and South Poles.

9. Orbit – The path followed by Earth around the Sun.

10. Midnight Sun – The phenomenon where the Sun is visible for 24 hours
in polar regions.

11. Circle of Illumination – The imaginary line dividing the lit and unlit
halves of Earth.

12. Time Zones – The division of Earth into 24 regions, each with a
different time.

13. Latitude – Imaginary lines parallel to the equator used to measure

distance north or south.

14. Longitude – Imaginary lines running from pole to pole used to measure
distance east or west.

15. Tropics – The regions between 23½° N (Tropic of Cancer) and 23½° S
(Tropic of Capricorn).
 16. Tilt of Axis – The 23½° inclination of Earth’s axis, which causes seasons.

17. Elliptical Orbit – The oval-shaped path followed by the Earth around the
Sun.

18. Summer Solstice – The day with the longest daylight hours (June 21).

19. Winter Solstice – The day with the shortest daylight hours (December
22).

20. Leap Year – A year with 366 days, occurring every four years to adjust
for extra hours in revolution.

Choose the Correct Option (20 Marks)

1. What is the speed of Earth’s rotation at the Equator?

o (a) 1000 km/h

o (b) 1670 km/h

o (c) 2000 km/h

o (d) 500 km/h

2. The Earth rotates from

o (a) East to West

o (b) West to East

o (c) North to South

o (d) South to North

3. What causes day and night?

o (a) Revolution

o (b) Coriolis Effect

o (c) Rotation

o (d) Gravity

4. Which force causes winds to deflect?

o (a) Coriolis Effect

o (b) Centripetal Force

o (c) Magnetic Force

o (d) Frictional Force

5. The shape of the Earth’s orbit is

o (a) Circular

o (b) Elliptical

o (c) Rectangular
 o (d) Spiral

6. The revolution of the Earth causes

o (a) Day and Night

o (b) Tides

o (c) Seasons

o (d) Time zones

7. The Earth’s axis is inclined at an angle of

o (a) 0°

o (b) 45°

o (c) 23½°

o (d) 90°

8. Which of the following is true about the perihelion position of the Earth?

o (a) It is farthest from the Sun

o (b) It occurs on 3 January

o (c) The speed of revolution is the least

o (d) All of the above

9. The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on

o (a) March 21

o (b) June 21

o (c) September 23

o (d) December 22

10. The shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on

o (a) March 21

o (b) June 21

o (c) September 23

o (d) December 22

11. Which phenomenon causes 24 hours of daylight at the poles?

o (a) Midnight Sun

o (b) Equinox

o (c) Perihelion

o (d) Centrifugal Force

12. What is the imaginary line dividing day and night called?

o (a) Axis
 o (b) Prime Meridian

o (c) Circle of Illumination

o (d) Tropic of Cancer

13. What is the time difference between two consecutive longitudes?

o (a) 7½ minutes

o (b) 4 minutes

o (c) 1 minute

o (d) 3 minutes

14. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences

o (a) Summer

o (b) Winter

o (c) Spring

o (d) Autumn

15. What would happen if the Earth’s axis were not tilted?

o (a) There would be no seasons

o (b) Day and night would be equal everywhere

o (c) Temperatures would remain constant throughout the year

o (d) All of the above

16. The position where the Earth is farthest from the Sun is called

o (a) Perihelion

o (b) Aphelion

o (c) Equinox

o (d) Solstice

17. The Earth's movement around the Sun is known as

o (a) Rotation

o (b) Coriolis Effect

o (c) Revolution

o (d) Centrifugal Force

18. The Southern Hemisphere experiences winter during

o (a) June to August

o (b) December to February

o (c) September to November

o (d) March to May

 19. Which of the following is not an effect of Earth's rotation?

o (a) Day and Night

o (b) Coriolis Effect

o (c) Seasons

o (d) Time zone differences

20. During which event are day and night of equal length everywhere on Earth?

o (a) Solstice

o (b) Equinox

o (c) Perihelion

o (d) Aphelion

20 HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)- Short

1. Why do different places on Earth experience different lengths of day and
night?

 Due to the tilt of Earth's axis (23½°)

 The Equator experiences almost equal day and night, while polar regions have
extreme variations.

 During solstices, some regions experience 24-hour daylight or darkness.

2. What would happen if the Earth stopped rotating?

 One half of the Earth would experience continuous daylight and the other
continuous darkness.

 Extreme temperature differences would arise between day and night regions.

 The Coriolis Effect would disappear, affecting wind and ocean currents.

3. How does the Coriolis Effect impact wind and ocean currents?

 Deflects winds and currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

 Deflects them to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

 Influences storm patterns, trade winds, and gyres in oceans.

4. Why is the speed of Earth's rotation different at different latitudes?

 The equator moves fastest (1670 km/h) due to its larger circumference.

 The speed decreases as we move towards the poles.

 At the poles, rotation speed is almost zero.

5. What is the significance of the Earth's axial tilt in causing seasons?

 The tilt (23½°) causes variation in sunlight distribution.

 During summer solstice, one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, receiving
more daylight.

 During winter solstice, the opposite occurs.

6. How do equinoxes differ from solstices?

 Equinox: Equal day and night (March 21, September 23).

 Solstice: Longest or shortest day (June 21, December 22).

 Equinox occurs when the Sun is directly over the Equator; solstice occurs
when it is over the Tropic of Cancer/Capricorn.

7. How does Earth's revolution affect climate zones?

 Torrid Zone (23½°N to 23½°S) receives direct sunlight, remains hot.

 Temperate Zones (23½°–66½°) have moderate climates.

 Frigid Zones (66½°–90°) receive oblique sunlight, remain cold.

8. Why do we experience different time zones?

 Rotation causes different regions to experience sunrise and sunset at

different times.

 The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each 15° longitude apart.

 Every 15° of longitude = 1-hour time difference.

9. Why don’t we feel the Earth's rotation and revolution?

 Due to gravity, which keeps everything anchored to Earth.

 Smooth, constant motion prevents sudden changes.

 Similar to moving in a fast train, where motion isn’t felt unless there’s
acceleration or deceleration.

10. How does Earth's revolution contribute to the leap year?

 One revolution takes 365 days, 6 hours.

 Every 4 years, extra 6 hours × 4 = 24 hours are added as an extra day

(February 29).

11. How does the rotation of Earth affect time measurement?

  One full rotation = 360° = 24 hours.

 1 hour = 15° longitude.

 Time at each meridian differs by 4 minutes per degree.

12. What would happen if the Earth revolved in a circular orbit instead of an
elliptical one?

 Distance from the Sun would remain constant.

 No perihelion and aphelion differences.

 Less seasonal variation in temperature.

13. Why does the length of daylight change throughout the year?

 Due to Earth’s tilt and revolution around the Sun.

 The equator has nearly constant daylight.

 Polar regions experience six months of daylight and darkness.

14. What is the significance of the Midnight Sun and Polar Night?

 Midnight Sun: 24-hour daylight at Arctic Circle (summer solstice).

 Polar Night: 24-hour darkness at the Antarctic Circle (winter solstice).

 Caused by Earth’s axial tilt.

15. Why do the sun, moon, and stars appear to move from east to west?

 Due to Earth's west-to-east rotation.

 The relative motion makes celestial objects appear to move in the opposite
direction.

 Similar to how trees seem to move backward when viewed from a moving
vehicle.

16. What is centrifugal force, and how does it affect Earth's shape?

 An outward force caused by rotation.

 Causes Earth to be bulged at the equator and flattened at the poles.

 Faster rotation = stronger centrifugal force.

17. How does Earth's tilt affect different hemispheres during revolution?

 Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun (June 21) = Summer.

  Southern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun (December 22) = Summer.

 Opposite seasons in each hemisphere.

18. How does the Sun's position change at different latitudes during the
year?

 At Equator: Overhead twice a year (Equinoxes).

 At Tropic of Cancer: Overhead June 21.

 At Tropic of Capricorn: Overhead December 22.

19. What would happen if Earth's axis were perpendicular to its orbit?

 No seasons – equal heating all year round.

 Day and night would always be equal everywhere.

 Drastic climate changes in many regions.

20. How do perihelion and aphelion affect Earth's seasons?

 Perihelion (January 3): Earth closer to Sun → warmer summers in Southern

Hemisphere.

 Aphelion (July 4): Earth farther from Sun → cooler summers in Northern
Hemisphere.

 Elliptical orbit affects seasonal temperatures slightly.

20 HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)- Long

1. Why does the Earth experience day and night? Explain with reference to
rotation.

 The Earth rotates on its axis from west to east once in 24 hours.
 The part facing the Sun experiences day, while the opposite side experiences
night.
 The circle of illumination divides the Earth into a lit and dark half.
 Due to gradual rotation, dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight occur
progressively.
 If the Earth did not rotate, one side would have perpetual day and the other
eternal night.

2. How does the rotation of the Earth affect wind and ocean currents?

 The Coriolis Effect influences the movement of air and water.

  Winds and ocean currents are deflected due to Earth’s rotation.
 In the Northern Hemisphere, winds deflect right; in the Southern
Hemisphere, they deflect left.
 This deflection affects trade winds, cyclones, and ocean currents.
 Without the Coriolis Effect, weather patterns and ocean currents would
behave differently.

3. Why does the length of day and night change throughout the year?

 The Earth’s axis is tilted at 23½° from the vertical.

 Due to revolution, different parts of the Earth receive varying sunlight.
 During Summer Solstice (June 21), the Northern Hemisphere gets longer
days.
 During Winter Solstice (December 22), the Southern Hemisphere
experiences longer days.
 At Equinoxes (March 21 & September 23), day and night are equal
everywhere.

4. What would happen if the Earth’s axis was not tilted?

 There would be no seasons as sunlight distribution would be uniform.

 The length of day and night would be equal everywhere throughout the
year.
 Temperature variations would be minimal, leading to a stable climate.
 No Summer and Winter Solstices, only Equinox-like conditions all year.
 Agriculture and biodiversity would be affected due to the lack of seasonal
changes.

5. Why do the poles experience six months of daylight and six months of
darkness?

 Due to Earth’s axial tilt, the poles experience extreme daylight variations.
 During Summer Solstice, the North Pole is tilted toward the Sun, causing
continuous daylight for six months.
 During Winter Solstice, the South Pole faces the Sun, experiencing
continuous daylight while the North Pole remains dark.
 This results in the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.

6. How does the Earth’s rotation affect time zones?

 The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each covering 15° longitude.
 Every 15° rotation of the Earth leads to a time difference of one hour.
  The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is the reference point for time calculation
(GMT/UTC).
 Time increases eastward and decreases westward due to Earth’s rotation
direction.
 This system allows global synchronization of timekeeping.

7. How does the Earth’s revolution cause the change of seasons?

 The Earth moves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit once in 365¼ days.
 The axis remains tilted at 23½°, causing different parts to receive varying
solar radiation.
 This results in seasonal changes:
o Summer Solstice (June 21) – Longest day in the Northern Hemisphere.
o Winter Solstice (December 22) – Shortest day in the Northern
Hemisphere.
o Vernal & Autumnal Equinoxes (March 21 & September 23) – Equal
day and night.

8. Why does the Sun appear to move from East to West?

 The Earth rotates from West to East at 1670 km/h at the Equator.
 As a result, the Sun, Moon, and stars appear to move in the opposite
direction.
 This is an example of relative motion, similar to trees appearing to move
backward when seen from a moving vehicle.

9. How does the Earth's revolution influence heat zones?

 The Earth is divided into three heat zones based on solar radiation:
1. Torrid Zone (23½°N - 23½°S) – Receives direct sunlight throughout
the year.
2. Temperate Zone (23½° - 66½° N & S) – Experiences moderate
sunlight and distinct seasons.
3. Frigid Zone (66½° - 90° N & S) – Receives oblique sunlight, leading to
extreme cold.

10. Why do we not feel the motion of the Earth?

 The Earth rotates at a constant speed.

 The gravitational force keeps everything attached to the surface.
 The atmosphere moves along with the Earth, preventing noticeable
movement.
11. What is the difference between Perihelion and Aphelion?

 Perihelion (January 3) – Earth is closest to the Sun (147.3 million km).

 Aphelion (July 4) – Earth is farthest from the Sun (152 million km).
 The elliptical orbit causes variations in solar energy received.

12. How does rotation cause a bulge at the Equator?

 The centrifugal force due to rotation pushes matter outward.

 This causes the Earth to be flattened at the poles and bulging at the
Equator.

13. What would happen if the Earth rotated slower?

 Longer days and nights, leading to extreme temperatures.

 Stronger winds due to increased pressure differences.

14. How does the inclination of the Earth's axis affect climate?

 Creates seasonal variations in temperature and daylight.

 Causes polar regions to remain cold due to low solar incidence.

15. What is the significance of the circle of illumination?

 It divides day and night.

 Changes position due to revolution, causing seasonal variations.

16. How do Equinoxes affect daylight distribution?

 On March 21 & September 23, the Sun is directly overhead at the Equator.
 Day and night are equal worldwide.

17. What role does revolution play in agriculture?

 Seasons affect crop growth cycles.

 Farmers plan sowing & harvesting based on seasonal changes.
18. Why does the Southern Hemisphere experience summer when the
Northern Hemisphere experiences winter?

 Axial tilt causes alternating sun exposure.

 When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away, it experiences winter, and
vice versa.

19. How do Solstices affect the polar regions?

 June 21 – 24-hour daylight at North Pole, darkness at South Pole.

 December 22 – 24-hour darkness at North Pole, daylight at South Pole.

20. What is the relationship between rotation and time difference?

 The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, making 15° per hour.

 Every 15° longitude represents one-hour time difference.

Match the Following (20 Marks)

Answe
Column A Column B
r

1. Rotation a) 365 days and 6 hours 1-e

2. Revolution b) Closest position of Earth to Sun 2-a

3. Perihelion c) 24 hours of daylight at poles 3-b

d) Shortest day in the Northern

4. Aphelion 4-f
Hemisphere

5. Summer Solstice e) Earth’s spinning on its axis 5-h

6. Winter Solstice f) Farthest position of Earth from Sun 6-d

7. Equinox g) Days and nights are equal 7-g

h) Longest day in the Northern

8. Axis 8-j
Hemisphere

9. Coriolis Effect i) Path of Earth's revolution 9-k

10. Elliptical Orbit j) Imaginary line through Earth’s 10 - i

 Answe
Column A Column B
r

centre

11. Circle of Illumination k) Deflection of winds and currents 11 - m

12. Centrifugal Force l) Vertical sun rays at the Equator 12 - o

13. Midnight Sun m) Divides Earth into day and night 13 - c

14. Inclination of Earth's

n) Responsible for seasonal changes 14 - n
Axis

15. Time Difference o) Outward force due to rotation 15 - p

16. Solar Year p) 4 minutes per degree longitude 16 - q

17. Vernal Equinox q) 365 days 17 - l

18. Tropic of Cancer r) 23.5° North latitude 18 - r

19. Tropic of Capricorn s) 23.5° South latitude 19 - s

20. Arctic Circle t) 66.5° North latitude 20 - t