Rotation and Revolution

Solutions for Geography, Class 9, ICSE

Choose The Correct Option

24 questions

Question 1

Which of the following is true about the rotation of the earth?

  1. The earth completes one rotation in 25:56:4.09 hrs
  2. The earth's axis passes through the poles
  3. The speed of rotation increases as we move towards the equator
  4. All of the above.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

All of the above

Note — There is a misprint in option 1. The correct statement will be — The earth completes one rotation in 23:56:4.09 hrs.

Question 2

See the below figure. What is the value of angle A?

See the below figure. What is the value of angle A?. Rotation and Revolution, Total Geography ICSE Class 9
  1. 23½°
  2. 66½°
  3. 90°
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

66½°

Question 3

An apparent outward force that acts on a rotating object:

  1. Centrifugal Force
  2. Sunset Effect
  3. Coriolis Effect
  4. Rotational Effect
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Centrifugal Force

Question 4

Assertion (A): Rotation is the spinning of the earth on its axis from west to east once in 24 hours.

Reason (R): The earth is always tilted in the same direction as it moves round the sun.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.

Explanation — 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 earth's axis is always inclined towards its orbital plane at an angle of 66½°.

Question 5

Assertion (A): The winds and ocean currents move clockwise and are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

Reason (R): Coriolis Effect refers to the force experienced by any object moving over the surface of a rotating body such as the earth.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — Due to Coriolis effect, the winds and ocean currents move clockwise and are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and move in the anticlockwise direction and are deflected to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 6

What is the shape of the path of the earth around the sun?

  1. Oval path
  2. Spherical path
  3. Elliptic
  4. Coriolis
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Elliptic

Question 7

Which of the following is correct?

  1. Aphelion : earth is closest to the sun
  2. Aphelion: earth is farthest from the sun
  3. Aphelion : moon is closest to the earth
  4. Aphelion : the equator is closest to the sun.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Aphelion: earth is farthest from the sun

Question 8

What is the time difference between two consecutive lines of longitude?

  1. 7½ minutes
  2. 4 minutes
  3. 1 minute
  4. 3 minutes
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

4 minutes

Question 9

Which of the following is true about the revolution of the earth around the sun?

  1. It results in the cycle of seasons
  2. The direction of motion is the same as rotation
  3. The speed is not uniform
  4. All of the above.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

All of the above

Question 10

Assertion (A): A bulge in the middle portion of the earth and flattened top at the poles.

Reason (R): Centrifugal force always directed outward, i.e., away from the axis of rotation.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force that acts on a rotating object. It is always directed outward, i.e., away from the axis of rotation. The speed of rotation has created a centrifugal force resulting in a bulge in the middle portion of the earth and flattened top at the poles.

Question 11

Assertion (A): In the course of the earth's movement around the sun, the North Pole remains inclined towards the sun for a part of the year while the South Pole is tilted away from it.

Reason (R): The earth rotates on an inclined axis in an elliptical path around the sun.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — The earth rotates on an inclined axis in an elliptical path around the sun. The earth's axis is inclined at an angle of 23.5° from the perpendicular to this plane of the elliptic. As a result of this, in the course of the earth's movement around the sun, the North Pole remains inclined towards the sun for a part of the year while the South Pole is tilted away from it. For the remaining part of the year, the situation is reversed.

Question 12

Which of the following is true about the perihelion position of the earth?

  1. It is farthest from the sun.
  2. It occurs on 3 January.
  3. The speed of revolution is the least.
  4. All of the above.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

It occurs on 3 January.

Question 13

The lighted part of the earth is called the __________.

  1. Circle of Light
  2. Circle of Illumination
  3. Circle of Solstice
  4. Circle of Equinox
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Circle of Illumination

Question 14

Perihelion : 147.4 million km :: __________ : 152 million km

  1. Aphelion
  2. Equinox
  3. Solstice
  4. All of the above
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Aphelion

Question 15

Which of the following is true about the aphelion?

  1. Occurs on 4 July.
  2. Summer in northern hemisphere
  3. Speed of revolution is maximum
  4. All of the above.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Summer in northern hemisphere

Question 16

Assertion (A): The speed of revolution of the earth is uniform.

Reason (R): When the earth is closer to the sun, the gravitational pull makes the earth move faster than when it is away from the sun.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

A is false but R is true.

Explanation — 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 of the earth is not uniform.

Question 17

Solstice : Summer/Winter :: ............... : Spring/Autumn

  1. Solstice
  2. Equinox
  3. Vernal
  4. None of the above.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Equinox

Question 18

Name the phenomenon when the regions beyond the Arctic Circle experience 24 hours daylight.

  1. Daylight sun
  2. Midnight sun
  3. Arctic sun
  4. Regional sun
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Midnight sun

Question 19

The period of diffused light between sunset and complete darkness is called

  1. dawn
  2. dusk
  3. twilight
  4. Both (2) and (3)
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Both (2) and (3)

Question 20

The duration of twilight :

  1. increases to the poles
  2. might last for as much as 7 weeks at the poles
  3. is as long as the sun is 18° below the horizon
  4. all of the above.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

all of the above

Question 21

World Standard Time: 0° :: Indian Standard Time : ...............

  1. 23½°
  2. 72½°
  3. 66½°
  4. 82½°
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

82½°

Question 22

Greenwich Mean Time : ............... :: Indian Standard Time : 12:00 pm

  1. 6:30 am
  2. 5:30 am
  3. 6:30 pm
  4. 5:30 pm
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

6:30 am

Question 23

Assertion (A): Phenomena of dawn and dusk is experienced more in temperate regions.

Reason (R): The twilight continues as long as sun is 18° below the horizon.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation — The twilight continues as long as sun is 18° below the horizon. In temperate regions, the angle at which the sun rises and sets is more slanted, so it takes longer to reach 18° below the horizon, hence longer dawn and dusk.

Question 24

World Standard Time : __________ :: Indian Standard Time : Standard Meridian of India

  1. World Standard Meridian
  2. Prime Meridian
  3. International Date Line
  4. Greenwich Mean Time
Choose The Correct Option

Answer:

Prime Meridian

Distinguish Between The Following

3 questions

Question 1

Rotation and Revolution

Distinguish Between The Following

Answer:

RotationRevolution
It is the spinning of the earth on its axis.It is the motion of the earth around the sun in an elliptical orbit.
The time taken for one rotation is 23 hrs 56 min.The time taken for one revolution is 365 days, 5 hrs and 48 min.
It causes day and night.It causes seasonal changes.

Question 2

Vertical and Slanting Rays

Distinguish Between The Following

Answer:

Vertical RaysSlanting Rays
Vertical rays travel over a shorter distance and thus loose less heat.Slanting rays travel over a larger distance and loose more heat.
Vertical Rays of the sun fall within its migration belt i.e. between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.Slanting Rays of the sun fall in temperate and Polar regions.

Question 3

Equinox and Solstice

Distinguish Between The Following

Answer:

EquinoxSolstice
It refers to the time when the sun crosses the plane of the earth's equator, making night and day of equal length.It refers to the time when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the shortest and longest days of the year.
It happens on March 21st and September 23rd.It happens on June 21st and December 22nd.
It happens at the start of spring and autumn.It happens during summer and winter.

Projectactivity

8 questions

Question 1

Name the correct date depicted in your diagram.

Projectactivity

Answer:

December 22nd

Question 2

Name the latitude where the sun is shining vertically overhead.

Projectactivity

Answer:

23 1/2° S

Question 3

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

Projectactivity

Answer:

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

Question 4

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

Projectactivity

Answer:

66 1/2° S

Question 5

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

Projectactivity

Answer:

June 21st

Question 6

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

Projectactivity

Answer:

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

Question 7

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

Projectactivity

Answer:

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

Question 8

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

Projectactivity

Answer:

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.

Short Answer Questions

21 questions

Question 1

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 2

Name the two chief motions of the earth.

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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

Question 3

Describe two characteristics of rotation.

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 4

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 5

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 6

What is an elliptic?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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

Question 7

State two chief characteristics of the revolution of the earth.

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 8

What do you understand by perihelion and aphelion?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 9

On which two days are the days and nights equal all over the world and why? What name do you give to these days?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 10

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 11

On which dates does the sun shine vertically overhead at:

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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

Question 12

Why is noon hotter than morning?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 13

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?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 14

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 15

What is meant by Equinox?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 16

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 17

Briefly describe the cycle of seasons with the change in inclination of the sun's rays. Which temperature zone receives almost vertical rays of the sun and which zones receive slanting rays?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

The cycle of seasons is determined by the change in the angle of the sun's rays hitting the earth's surface, which is caused by the earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees. As the earth orbits the sun, different parts of the earth are tilted towards or away from the sun at different times of the year, resulting in the four seasons.

Torrid zone receives almost vertical rays of the sun and temperate zone and frigid zone receive slanting rays of the sun.

Question 18

How is the duration of twilight influenced by seasons?

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 19

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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 phenomena is called the ‘Midnight Sun’ and it only takes place at the poles.

Question 20

Mention one effect of seasons in low and high latitudes.

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 21

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

Short Answer Questions

Answer:

Draw a well labelled diagram to show changes in the altitude of the midday sun at different times of the year. Total Geography ICSE Class 9

Structured Questions

8 questions

Question 1(a)

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

Structured Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 1(b)

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

Structured Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 1(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.

Structured Questions

Answer:

(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.

Question 1(d)

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

Structured Questions

Answer:

Draw a well labelled diagram to show inclination of the earth on its axis. Total Geography ICSE Class 9

Question 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.

Structured Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 2(b)

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

Structured Questions

Answer:

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.

Question 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) In New Zealand Christmas is celebrated in summer.

Structured Questions

Answer:

(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, i.e., Christmas is celebrated in summer in New Zealand.

Question 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.

Structured Questions

Answer:

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. Total Geography ICSE Class 9

Thinking Skills

3 questions

Question 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.

Thinking Skills

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.

Question 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.

Thinking Skills

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.

Question 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.

Thinking Skills

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.