Earth’s Orbit & Rotation

Front

What is the rotation of the Earth?

Back

The spinning of the Earth on its axis, which takes about 24 hours to complete.

Front

What is the orbit of the Earth?

Back

The path the Earth takes as it moves around the Sun, which takes about 365.25 days to complete.

Front

What causes day and night?

Back

Day and night are caused by the Earth's rotation on its axis.

Front

What is a Foucault pendulum?

Back

A device that demonstrates the rotation of the Earth by swinging in a constant direction while the Earth rotates beneath it.

Front

How long does it take for the Earth to complete one rotation?

Back

24 hours.

Front

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

Back

365.25 days.

Front

What is noon?

Back

The time of day when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky, usually around 12 PM.

Front

What is the axis of the Earth?

Back

An imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, around which the Earth rotates.

Front

What is the significance of the Earth's tilt?

Back

The tilt of the Earth's axis affects the seasons and the amount of sunlight different parts of the Earth receive.

Front

What is a shadow?

Back

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.