Geography Chapters

1. Continents and Oceans2. Biosphere3. Lithosphere4. Hydrosphere5. Atmosphere6. Latitudes and Longitudes7. Different Heat Zones of the Earth8. Longitudes and Time Zones9. International Date Line10. Motion of the Earth11. Effect of the Tilted Axis on Day and Night12. The Atmosphere (Composition and Layers)13. Weather and Climate14. Atmospheric Pressure15. Internal Structure of the Earth16. Rocks17. Earthquakes and Volcanoes18. Various Landforms (Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Grasslands)19. Landforms Created by River System20. Landforms Created by Glacier21. Landforms Created by Wind22. Landforms Created by Groundwater23. The Indian Subcontinent Position, Extent, and Physical Features24. Climatic Diversity in the Indian Subcontinent25. Soil Resources of the Indian Subcontinent26. Agriculture in India27. Land Use Pattern of India28. Water Resources and Their Utilization in India29. Multipurpose River Valley Projects30. Transport in India31. Rivers of India

Motion of the Earth

“The Earth moves in space through rotation and revolution, causing day-night cycles and changing seasons.”

Rotation of the Earth

The Earth spins around its own axis from west to east, completing one full rotation every 24 hours.

  • Axis tilt: Approximately 23.5° relative to the plane of orbit.
  • Duration: One full rotation = 24 hours.
  • Effects: Causes day and night, influences wind patterns, and creates the Coriolis effect.

Revolution of the Earth

The Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, taking approximately 365.25 days to complete one revolution.

  • Orbit shape: Slightly elliptical (oval).
  • Duration: One full revolution = 365.25 days (1 year).
  • Effects: Causes the changing seasons due to the tilt of Earth's axis.

Key Effects of Earth's Motions

  • Day and Night: Result of Earth's rotation.
  • Seasons: Caused by Earth's tilted axis and its revolution around the Sun.
  • Time Zones: Division of the Earth into 24 time zones due to rotation.
  • Apparent movement of celestial bodies: Sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
  • Leap Year: Every 4 years to account for the extra 0.25 days in Earth's revolution.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: How long does Earth take to complete one rotation?
  • 24 hours
  • RRB NTPC 2020: What causes the seasons on Earth?
  • The tilt of Earth's axis and its revolution around the Sun
  • HSSC CET 2021: What is the duration of Earth's revolution around the Sun?
  • 365.25 days (1 year)
  • SSC CHSL 2018: Why do we have leap years?
  • To compensate for the extra 0.25 days in Earth's revolution
  • SSC GD 2019: What is the direction of Earth's rotation?
  • From west to east
  • RRB Group D 2021: How many time zones are there on Earth?
  • 24
  • HSSC 2020: What is the effect of Earth's rotation on wind direction?
  • Coriolis effect
  • SSC JE 2020: What causes the day and night cycle?
  • Earth’s rotation on its axis
  • RRB ALP 2018: What is the tilt of Earth's axis?
  • Approximately 23.5°
  • SSC MTS 2021: What is the shape of Earth's orbit?
  • Elliptical
Note: Earth's motions are fundamental to understanding time measurement, climate patterns, and navigation.

Conclusion

The rotation and revolution of the Earth are essential movements that shape life on our planet, influencing days, nights, seasons, and weather patterns.

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