Rotation and Revolution

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

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.

2) Name the two chief motions of the earth.

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

3) Describe two characteristics of rotation.

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.

4) State two effects of the rotation of the earth.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

7) What is an elliptic?

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

8) Define 'revolution'.

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

9) State two chief characteristics of the revolution of the earth.

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.

10) Mention two effects of revolution.

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.

11) What do you understand by perihelion and aphelion?

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

14) On which dates does the sun shine vertically overhead at:

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

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

15) Why is noon hotter than morning?

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.
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?

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.

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

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.

18) What is meant by Equinox?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

21) How is the duration of twilight influenced by seasons?

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.

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

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 phenomenon is called the ‘Midnight Sun’ and it only takes place at
the poles.
23) Mention one effect of seasons in low and high latitudes.

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.

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

Refer to page no 29 fig.3.4 revolution of the earth.

Distinguish between the following

1) Rotation and Revolution

Rotation Revolution

It is the motion of the earth around the sun in an

It is the spinning of the earth on its axis.
elliptical orbit.

The time taken for one rotation is 23 hrs The time taken for one revolution is 365 days, 5 hrs
56 min. and 48 min.

It causes day and night. It causes seasonal changes.

2) Vertical and Slanting Rays

Vertical Rays Slanting Rays

Vertical rays travel over a shorter distance Slanting rays travel over a larger distance and
and thus loose less heat. loose more heat.

Vertical Rays of the sun fall within its

Slanting Rays of the sun fall in temperate and
migration belt i.e. between the Tropics of
Polar regions.
Cancer and Capricorn.

3) Equinox and Solstice

 Equinox Solstice

It refers to the time when the sun It refers to the time when the sun reaches its
crosses the plane of the earth's highest or lowest point in the sky at noon,
equator, making night and day of resulting in the shortest and longest days of
equal length. the year.

It happens on March 21st and

It happens on June 21st and December 22nd.
September 23rd.

It happens at the start of spring and

It happens during summer and winter.
autumn.

Structured Questions

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

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.

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

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.

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.

(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.

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

Refer to page no 26 fig. 3.1 inclination of the earth’s axis.

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.
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.

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

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.

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.

(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.

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.
Thinking Skills

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

When the Sun rays are vertically on Tropic of Cancer on June 21st, it is Summer Solstice. The longest
day of the year.

When the sun rays are vertically on the Tropic of Capricorn on 22nd December, it is Winter Solstice.
The shortest day of the year.

1) Name the correct date depicted in your diagram.

December 22nd

2) Name the latitude where the sun is shining vertically overhead.

23 1/2° S

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

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

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

66 1/2° S

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

June 21st

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

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

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

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

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

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.