Day, night and seasons

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Lesson notes

Earth's Orbit and Rotation

The Earth orbits around the Sun due to gravity.
It takes 365 days (one year) to complete one orbit.
The Earth spins on an imaginary line called its axis.
One complete spin on its axis takes 24 hours (one day).

Day and Night

Day and night are caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis.
The side of Earth facing the Sun experiences daytime.
The side facing away from the Sun experiences night-time.
The Sun appears to rise in the East and set in the West due to Earth's rotation.

The Earth's Tilt

Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from vertical.
This tilt, combined with the orbit around the Sun, causes the seasons.
The equator is an imaginary line dividing Earth into northern and southern hemispheres.

Seasons

When the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer (higher light intensity).
When tilted away from the Sun, it experiences winter (lower light intensity).
Seasons are opposite in the two hemispheres: summer in the north means winter in the south.
In summer, days are longer and nights shorter; in winter, days are shorter and nights longer.

Apparent Motion of the Sun

The Sun and stars appear to move slowly across the sky because Earth is rotating.
The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.

Diagram showing the Earth's rotation causing day and night. (Note: This template is used as a placeholder; the actual diagram should illustrate Earth's rotation and the Sun's rays.)

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Practice questions

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1.What causes day and night on Earth?
Easy
- AThe Earth spinning on its axis
- BThe Earth orbiting the Sun
- CThe Moon blocking sunlight
- DThe Sun moving around the Earth
2.How long does it take for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis?
Easy
- A24 hours
- B365 days
- C12 hours
- D1 month
3.How long does it take for the Earth to orbit the Sun?
Easy
- A365 days
- B24 hours
- C1 month
- D7 days
4.What is the name of the imaginary line the Earth spins around?
Easy
- AAxis
- BEquator
- CPrime Meridian
- DOrbit
5.In which direction does the Sun appear to rise on Earth?
Easy
- AEast
- BWest
- CNorth
- DSouth
6.What is the tilt of the Earth's axis from vertical?
Easy
- A23.5°
- B45°
- C90°
- D0°
7.When the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, which season does it experience?
Easy
- AWinter
- BSummer
- CSpring
- DAutumn
8.When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, what season is it in the southern hemisphere?
Easy
- AWinter
- BSummer
- CSpring
- DAutumn

More questions

9.During winter, how do day length and night length compare?
Easy
- ADays are shorter and nights are longer
- BDays are longer and nights are shorter
- CDays and nights are equal
- DDays are longer and nights are longer
10.Why do the Sun and stars appear to move slowly across the sky?
Easy
- ABecause the Earth is rotating
- BBecause the Sun is moving around the Earth
- CBecause the Earth is orbiting the Sun
- DBecause the stars are moving
11.What is the primary reason Earth orbits the Sun?
Medium
- AGravitational attraction between Earth and the Sun
- BThe Sun's magnetic field pulling Earth
- CThe Earth's rotation creating a force
- DThe tilt of Earth's axis
12.Which of the following best explains why the northern hemisphere experiences summer when tilted towards the Sun?
Medium
- AHigher intensity of sunlight due to more direct rays
- BThe Earth is closer to the Sun
- CLonger nights allow more heat to build up
- DThe Sun emits more light during summer
13.A student in London measures the length of daylight each day for a year. Which graph best shows how the length of daylight changes over the year? (Assume London is in the northern hemisphere.)
Medium
- AA curve that is highest in June and lowest in December
- BA curve that is highest in December and lowest in June
- CA straight horizontal line
- DA curve that is highest in March and lowest in September
14.The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from the vertical. If the tilt were increased to 45°, what would be the most likely effect on seasons in the northern hemisphere?
Hard
- ASeasons would become more extreme, with hotter summers and colder winters
- BSeasons would become less extreme, with milder summers and winters
- CThere would be no effect on seasons
- DSeasons would reverse, with summer in December and winter in June
15.A city on the equator experiences 12 hours of daylight every day. Which statement explains why?
Medium
- AThe equator always faces the Sun directly as Earth rotates
- BThe equator is tilted towards the Sun in summer and away in winter
- CThe Earth's orbit is elliptical, causing equal day and night at the equator
- DThe equator is the line where the Sun rises and sets at the same time each day
16.The table shows the number of daylight hours on the first day of each season in a northern hemisphere city. Which row is correct?
Medium
- ASpring: 12, Summer: 16, Autumn: 12, Winter: 8
- BSpring: 8, Summer: 16, Autumn: 8, Winter: 12
- CSpring: 12, Summer: 8, Autumn: 12, Winter: 16
- DSpring: 16, Summer: 12, Autumn: 8, Winter: 12
17.The Earth's orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle but an ellipse. At which point in its orbit would the Earth be moving fastest?
Hard
- AWhen it is closest to the Sun (perihelion)
- BWhen it is farthest from the Sun (aphelion)
- CWhen it is at the equinox
- DWhen it is at the solstice
18.A student investigates how the angle of sunlight affects temperature. They shine a torch at a surface from directly overhead (90°) and then at a shallow angle (30°). Which result would they observe?
Medium
- AThe temperature increase is greater at 90° than at 30°
- BThe temperature increase is greater at 30° than at 90°
- CThe temperature increase is the same at both angles
- DNo temperature change occurs at either angle
19.Which statement best explains why it is colder at the poles than at the equator?
Medium
- ASunlight hits the poles at a lower angle, spreading energy over a larger area
- BThe poles are farther from the Sun than the equator
- CThe poles receive less total sunlight because they are smaller
- DThe poles are covered in ice, which reflects all sunlight
20.A scientist observes that a particular star rises 4 minutes earlier each night. What causes this?
Hard
- AThe Earth's orbit around the Sun causes the stars to appear to shift slightly each night
- BThe Earth's rotation is slowing down over time
- CThe star is moving closer to Earth
- DThe tilt of the Earth's axis changes throughout the year
21.The diagram shows the Earth at four positions in its orbit around the Sun. The northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun at position X. Which position corresponds to the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere?
Medium
- APosition X
- BPosition opposite X
- CPosition halfway between X and the opposite
- DIt depends on the time of day
22.A student in Australia (southern hemisphere) observes that the Sun is highest in the sky in December. Which statement explains this?
Medium
- AThe southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun in December
- BThe southern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun in December
- CAustralia is closer to the Sun in December
- DThe Earth's orbit is elliptical, bringing Australia nearer to the Sun in December
23.How many degrees does the Earth rotate in one hour?
Medium
- A15°
- B24°
- C360°
- D1°
24.The diagram shows the Earth with its axis tilted. Which labelled location on Earth would experience 24 hours of daylight on the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere?
Medium
- AThe North Pole (90°N)
- BThe equator (0°)
- CThe South Pole (90°S)
- DThe Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N)
25.A student uses a lamp to represent the Sun and a globe on a stand to represent Earth. The student rotates the globe while keeping the lamp fixed. Which observation best demonstrates why day and night occur?
Medium
- AThe globe's surface facing the lamp is lit, and the opposite side is dark.
- BThe globe's entire surface is equally lit at all times.
- CThe lamp appears to move around the globe as it rotates.
- DThe globe's temperature increases uniformly.
26.A student sets up a model to show how the tilt of Earth's axis causes seasons. They place a globe with a tilted axis at four positions around a lamp. At position P, the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the lamp. Which statement about position P is correct?
Medium
- AThe northern hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, causing summer.
- BThe northern hemisphere receives less direct sunlight, causing winter.
- CThe southern hemisphere is also tilted toward the lamp.
- DThe Earth is closest to the lamp at position P.
27.Which statement about a hemisphere is correct?
Easy
- AA hemisphere is half of the Earth.
- BA hemisphere is a line of longitude.
- CA hemisphere is the tilt of the Earth's axis.
- DA hemisphere is the path of the Earth around the Sun.
28.A student measures the angle of sunlight at noon in London on two different days. On day A, the Sun is higher in the sky than on day B. Which conclusion is most likely?
Medium
- ADay A is in summer and day B is in winter.
- BDay A is in winter and day B is in summer.
- CDay A and day B are both in the same season.
- DThe angle of sunlight does not affect seasons.
29.A student investigates how the angle of sunlight affects temperature using a torch and a surface. They shine the torch at 90° (directly overhead) and then at 30° from horizontal. Which result is expected?
Easy
- AThe temperature increase is greater at 90° than at 30°.
- BThe temperature increase is greater at 30° than at 90°.
- CThe temperature increase is the same at both angles.
- DNo temperature change occurs at either angle.
30.A student uses a model Earth and a lamp to demonstrate why the southern hemisphere experiences winter when the northern hemisphere experiences summer. Which step is essential in the demonstration?
Medium
- ATilting the Earth's axis away from the lamp for the southern hemisphere.
- BMoving the Earth closer to the lamp.
- CRotating the Earth faster.
- DUsing a larger lamp.
31.How long does it take the Earth to complete one full spin on its axis?
Easy
- A24 hours
- B12 hours
- C365 days
- D1 hour
32.A student observes that the Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Which statement explains this observation?
Easy
- AThe Earth rotates from west to east.
- BThe Earth rotates from east to west.
- CThe Sun orbits the Earth.
- DThe Earth's axis is tilted.
33.A student builds a model to show the cause of seasons. They place a lamp at the center and a globe with a tilted axis at four positions around it. Which factor is most important for the model to correctly show seasons?
Medium
- AThe axis of the globe must remain pointing in the same direction as it orbits the lamp.
- BThe globe must rotate quickly on its axis.
- CThe lamp must be moved around the globe.
- DThe globe must be placed at different distances from the lamp.
34.What is the name of the imaginary line that divides the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres?
Easy
- AEquator
- BAxis
- CPrime Meridian
- DTropic of Cancer
35.Which graph best shows how the number of daylight hours changes over a year in a city in the northern hemisphere?
Medium
- AA curve that peaks in June and troughs in December.
- BA curve that peaks in December and troughs in June.
- CA straight horizontal line.
- DA curve that peaks in March and troughs in September.
36.A student wants to measure how the angle of sunlight affects the area covered by a beam of light. They shine a torch at a screen from directly overhead and then at 45°. Which measurement should they take?
Medium
- AThe area of the illuminated spot on the screen.
- BThe brightness of the torch.
- CThe distance from the torch to the screen.
- DThe temperature of the screen.
37.How long does it take for the Earth to complete one full spin on its axis?
Easy
- A24 hours
- B12 hours
- C365 days
- D1 hour
38.The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from vertical. If the tilt were increased to 45°, what would be the most likely effect on seasons in the northern hemisphere?
Hard
- ASeasons would become more extreme with hotter summers and colder winters.
- BSeasons would become less extreme with milder summers and winters.
- CSeasons would disappear completely.
- DSeasons would reverse, with summer in December.
39.A student uses a lamp to represent the Sun and a globe on a stand to represent Earth. The student rotates the globe while keeping the lamp fixed. Which observation best demonstrates the cause of day and night?
Medium
- AThe globe gets warmer when it faces the lamp.
- BDifferent parts of the globe become lit and then dark as it rotates.
- CThe globe's shadow falls on the table.
- DThe lamp appears to move around the globe.
40.A student sets up a model to show how the tilt of Earth's axis causes seasons. They place a globe with a tilted axis at four positions around a lamp. At position X, the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the lamp. What season does the northern hemisphere experience in this position?
Easy
- ASpring
- BSummer
- CAutumn
- DWinter
41.How many hours does it take for the Earth to complete one rotation on its axis?
Easy
- A12 hours
- B24 hours
- C48 hours
- D365 hours
42.What is the name of the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the northern and southern hemispheres?
Easy
- AAxis
- BEquator
- CPrime Meridian
- DTropic of Cancer
43.The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from vertical.
Easy
True or false?
44.Day and night are caused by the Earth orbiting the Sun.
Easy
True or false?
45.Match each hemisphere condition with the season it experiences.
Medium
- Northern hemisphere tilted towards the Sun
- Northern hemisphere tilted away from the Sun
- Southern hemisphere tilted towards the Sun
- Summer
- Winter
- Summer
46.Arrange the following events in the correct order for a person in the northern hemisphere experiencing a full day: (a) Sun at highest point, (b) sunrise, (c) sunset, (d) midnight.
Easy
- sunrise
- Sun at highest point
- sunset
- midnight
47.Which of the following are true about the Earth's axis and its effect on seasons? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from vertical.
- BThe tilt of the Earth's axis is the main cause of seasons.
- CThe Earth's axis points in the same direction throughout its orbit.
- DThe tilt of the Earth's axis causes day and night.
- EIf the Earth's axis were not tilted, there would be no seasons.
48.The Earth takes 365 days to complete one orbit around the Sun.
Easy
True or false?
49.A student in London (51°N) notices that on a certain day the Sun rises at 7:00 am and sets at 4:30 pm. What is the approximate length of daylight on that day?
Medium
- A9.5 hours
- B10.5 hours
- C11.5 hours
- D12.5 hours
50.The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° from the vertical.
Easy
True or false?
51.Complete the sentence using the correct word.
Easy
The Earth orbits the Sun due to ____.
52.State the direction in which the Sun appears to rise on Earth.
Easy
53.How many degrees does the Earth rotate in one hour? (Hint: 360° in 24 hours)
Easy
54.The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours. How many degrees does it rotate in 1 hour?
Easy
55.Explain why the northern hemisphere experiences winter when it is tilted away from the Sun.
Hard
56.Explain why the northern hemisphere experiences summer when it is tilted towards the Sun.
Hard
57.How many degrees does the Earth rotate in one hour? (Hint: 360° in 24 hours)
Easy
- A14 °
- B16 °
- C15 °
- D17 °
58.The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours. How many degrees does it rotate in 1 hour?
Easy
- A16 °
- B17 °
- C14 °
- D15 °

Revision notes

## Day, Night and Seasons - **Earth's orbit**: The Earth orbits the Sun due to gravity, taking **365 days** (one year). - **Earth's rotation**: Earth spins on its **axis** (imaginary line) once every **24 hours**, causing day and night. - Side facing Sun = daytime; side away = nighttime. - Sun appears to rise in the **East** and set in the **West** due to rotation. - **Seasons**: Caused by Earth's **23.5° axial tilt** combined with its orbit. - **Equator** divides Earth into **Northern** and **Southern hemispheres**. - When Northern Hemisphere is tilted **toward** Sun → **summer** (higher light intensity, long days, short nights). - When tilted **away** → **winter** (lower light intensity, short days, long nights). - Opposite seasons in Southern Hemisphere. **Key points**: - Day length = 24 hours. - Year length = 365 days. - Seasons are opposite in the two hemispheres.

Axis: An imaginary line around which the Earth spins, completing one rotation every 24 hours.
Day: The 24-hour period it takes for Earth to complete one rotation on its axis.
Night: The period when a location on Earth is facing away from the Sun.
Year: The 365 days it takes for Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun.
Equator: An imaginary line dividing Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres.
Hemisphere: Half of Earth, either Northern or Southern, divided by the equator.
Axial tilt: The 23.5° tilt of Earth's axis from vertical, causing seasons.

Flashcards

What causes the Earth to orbit the Sun?

Gravity.

What is the imaginary line that the Earth spins around?

Its axis.

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

24 hours.

What causes day and night on Earth?

The spinning of the Earth on its axis. When a side faces the Sun it is day; when it faces away it is night.

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

365 days (one year).

What is the tilt of Earth's axis from vertical?

23.5°.

What causes the seasons on Earth?

The tilt of Earth's axis combined with its orbit around the Sun.

What is the equator?

An imaginary line that divides the Earth into two hemispheres.

What are the two halves of the Earth called?

Hemispheres (northern and southern).

When does the northern hemisphere experience summer?

When it is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in higher intensity of light.

When does the northern hemisphere experience winter?

When it is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in lower intensity of light.

When it is summer in the northern hemisphere, what season is it in the southern hemisphere?

Winter.

How do day length and night length compare in summer?

Long days and short nights.

How do day length and night length compare in winter?

Short days and long nights.

Why do the Sun and stars appear to move slowly across the sky?

Because the Earth is rotating.

In which direction does the Sun appear to rise?

East.

In which direction does the Sun appear to set?

West.

What is the length of a day?

24 hours.

What is the length of a year?

365 days.

What divides the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres?

The equator.

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