Earth's Shape Flashcard

Front

What is the shape of the Earth?

Back

The Earth is spherical.

Front

What is the best evidence of the Earth's nearly spherical shape?

Back

Photographs of the Earth from an orbiting satellite.

Front

What are some proofs of the Earth's shape?

Back

Photographs from satellites and astronauts, and ships not dropping off the Earth's edge.

Front

Which object best represents a true scale model of the shape of the Earth?

Back

A Ping-Pong ball.

Front

Why does a ship appear to be 'sinking' as it moves away from an observer?

Back

Because the Earth has a curved surface.

Front

What phenomenon occurs during a lunar eclipse that relates to the Earth's shape?

Back

The shadow of the Earth on the moon is round.

Front

What is the significance of observing the sun's altitude during the day?

Back

It helps in understanding the Earth's curvature and rotation.

Front

How do telescopic observations of other planets support the idea of Earth's shape?

Back

They show that other planets are spherical, suggesting Earth is also spherical.

Front

What is the term for the Earth's shape being slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator?

Back

Oblate spheroid.

Front

What is one reason we do not float off into space?

Back

The Earth's gravity pulls us towards its center.