Motions of the Earth Class 6 Questions

Class 6 Geography Chapter 3 Questions and Answers

Welcome to the comprehensive resource for ‘Motions of the Earth Class 6 Questions with Answers’. This webpage is meticulously designed to provide important extra questions for Class 6 students to reinforce their understanding of the concepts and ensure their exam preparation is top-notch.

Table of Contents

By practising these questions, students will gain a deep understanding of the rotation and revolution of the Earth, its implications on the formation of day, night, and seasons, the concept of leap years, and more. Remember, mastery comes with practice, so delve into these questions and become proficient in ‘Motions of the Earth’. Happy learning!

This worksheet includes a variety of questions such as fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and short/long answer types. They also feature extra and important questions to challenge students.

Other important articles that will help you in this chapter are

Motions of the Earth Class 6 Extra Questions

True-false type questions

The Earth’s rotation around its own axis causes the change of seasons. (True / False)
The Earth takes 365¼ days to complete one revolution around the Sun. (True / False)
During an equinox, the Northern Hemisphere experiences day while the Southern Hemisphere experiences night. (True / False)
The Winter Solstice is the day when the Sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. (True / False)
Leap years occur because the Earth takes exactly 365 days to revolve around the Sun. (True / False)

False. The Earth’s rotation around its own axis causes day and night. The change of seasons is caused by the Earth’s revolution around the Sun.
True. The Earth takes approximately 365¼ days to complete one revolution around the Sun.
False. During an equinox, both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience equal days and nights.
False. The Winter Solstice is the day when the Sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn.
False. Leap years occur because the Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to revolve around the Sun, so an extra day is added every four years to account for the additional 0.25 days.

Fill in the blanks

On 22nd December, the sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of _____.
The _____ hemisphere is tilted towards the sun during the Summer Solstice.
On 21st March and 23rd September, the Sun’s rays fall directly on the _____.
The circle that divides the day from night on the globe is called the circle of _____.
Every fourth year, February has _____ days instead of 28 days.

Capricorn
Northern
Equator
Illumination
29

Match the Following

COLUMN 1	COLUMN 2
A. Movement of the Earth around its own axis	1. Leap Year
B. Causes change in seasons	2. Equinox
C. Direct rays of the Sun fall on the Tropic of Cancer	3. Revolution
D. Year with 366 days	4. Rotation
E. Direct rays of the Sun fall on the equator	5. Summer Solstice
F. Movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path	6. Winter Solstice

A	4
B	3
C	5
D	1
E	2
F	3

Very Short Answer type questions

What is the movement of the Earth around its own axis called?
How long does the Earth take to complete one rotation around its axis?
What is the period of rotation known as?
What is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path called?
How long does the Earth take to revolve around the Sun?
What is a year with 366 days called?
On what date does the Northern Hemisphere experience the Summer Solstice?
On which date do the rays of the Sun fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn?
What do we call the position of the Earth when neither of the poles is tilted towards the sun and the whole Earth experiences equal days and equal nights?
What is the circle called that divides the day from night on the globe?

Rotation
24 hours
Earthday
Revolution
365¼ days
Leap Year
21st June
22nd December
Equinox
Circle of Illumination

Short answer type questions

What are the two types of motions that the Earth exhibits? Describe each in one sentence.
What would happen if the Earth did not rotate?
How is a leap year different from a regular year?
How does the Earth’s tilt contribute to the change of seasons?
What is the significance of the Earth’s elliptical orbit?
Explain the concept of Summer Solstice.
What happens during a Winter Solstice?
Explain what an equinox is and when it occurs.
How do rotation and revolution contribute to day and night and the change in seasons respectively?
What is the circle of illumination and how does it influence the experience of day and night on Earth?

The Earth has two types of motions: rotation and revolution. Rotation is the movement of the Earth on its own axis, causing day and night. Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path or orbit, causing changes in seasons.
If the Earth did not rotate, the portion of the Earth facing the Sun would always experience day, causing continuous warmth, while the other half would remain in darkness and be freezing cold all the time. This would create extreme conditions where life as we know it would be impossible.
A leap year differs from a regular year in that it has 366 days instead of 365. This happens because the Earth takes about 365¼ days to revolve around the Sun, so every fourth year, the extra quarter days are added up to form an extra day, which is added to February, making it 29 days long.
The Earth’s tilt causes the Sun’s rays to hit different parts of the Earth more directly during different times of the year. This variation in sunlight intensity results in changes in the seasons.
The Earth’s elliptical orbit means that the Earth is not always the same distance from the Sun. However, this has a minor effect on the seasons. The primary cause of seasons is the tilt of the Earth’s axis, not the elliptical orbit.
Summer Solstice, occurring on 21st June, is when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun. The sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer, leading to longer days and shorter nights, marking the start of summer.
During the Winter Solstice, which occurs on 22nd December, the South Pole tilts towards the sun. The sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn. It marks the beginning of winter, with longer nights and shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere.
An equinox occurs when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is neither away from nor towards the Sun, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night globally. These happen twice a year, on 21st March and 23rd September.
The rotation of the Earth around its own axis results in the cycle of day and night, while its revolution around the Sun causes the change in seasons. The tilt of the Earth’s axis during its revolution results in varying amounts of sunlight in different areas, leading to seasons.
The circle of illumination is the line that divides the Earth into two halves – the half that is in daylight (facing the sun) and the half that is in night (away from the sun). It does not coincide with the Earth’s axis but rather moves as the Earth orbits around the Sun, contributing to the changing lengths of days and nights.

Long answer type questions

Explain the two types of motions that the Earth exhibits. What are their causes and effects on life on Earth?
Hypothesize about what would happen if the Earth did not rotate. How would this impact our daily life, the environment, and the Earth’s temperature?
Discuss the concept of a leap year. Why do we need leap years and how are they determined?
Explain how the tilt of the Earth’s axis and its revolution around the Sun results in different seasons.
Discuss the concept of an elliptical orbit. How does the Earth’s elliptical orbit affect the intensity of seasons?
Explain the phenomenon of Summer Solstice. What changes occur in the environment during this period?
Discuss the phenomenon of Winter Solstice. How does it affect day and night durations, and how does it influence temperatures across the globe?
Define the term ‘equinox’ and explain the changes that occur during an equinox. Why are equinoxes important?
How do the Earth’s rotation and revolution contribute to the existence of day and night, and the changing seasons? What would happen if either of these motions were to change?
Describe the circle of illumination. How does it divide the Earth, and how does it contribute to our experience of day and night?

1. The Earth exhibits two types of motions: rotation and revolution. Rotation is the Earth spinning on its axis, resulting in day and night. Revolution is the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, taking approximately 365¼ days and causing the changing seasons. These motions are essential for the distribution of sunlight and temperature, impacting life forms and climate.
2. If the Earth didn’t rotate, one side would constantly face the Sun and experience continuous day and heat, while the other side would be in perpetual darkness and cold. This could result in extreme climatic conditions, potentially making life unsustainable.
3. A leap year, which has 366 days, occurs every four years. The Earth takes about 365¼ days to complete one revolution around the Sun. We count 365 days in a year and “save” the extra quarter day. These saved quarters add up to form an extra day every four years, resulting in a leap year.
4. The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 66½° to its orbital plane. As the Earth revolves around the Sun, the tilt causes the Sun’s rays to hit different latitudes more directly at different times of the year, causing the seasons.
5. Earth’s elliptical orbit means that Earth-Sun distance varies throughout the year. However, the primary driver of seasons is Earth’s tilt rather than its changing distance from the Sun. Thus, the elliptical orbit has a minor effect on the intensity of seasons.
6. Summer Solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, making the days longer and nights shorter. The Sun’s rays directly hit the Tropic of Cancer, increasing temperatures and marking the start of summer.
7. Winter Solstice occurs when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The Sun’s rays fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, resulting in shorter days and longer nights in the Northern Hemisphere, indicating the onset of winter.
8. An equinox is when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is neither away from nor towards the Sun, leading to nearly equal day and night durations globally. It signifies the change of seasons, from winter to spring, or from summer to autumn.
9. Earth’s rotation on its axis causes day and night, and its revolution around the Sun leads to the changing seasons. If these motions were to change, it could drastically alter the Earth’s climate, day-night cycle, and the length of a year.
10. The circle of illumination is the dividing line between day and night on Earth. As Earth rotates, the circle of illumination moves, causing the changing lengths of days and nights. Without it, we would not experience the regular cycle of day and night.

Extra Questions

Distinguish between summer solstice and winter solstice?
Why is it hotter when the sun’s rays are vertical at a place?
Why do both hemispheres experience different winter and summer solstice?
How are days and nights formed?
How are seasons caused?

The distinction between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice:

	Summer Solstice	Winter Solstice
Date	21st June	22nd December
Hemisphere Tilt	Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun	Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun
Sun’s Rays	Rays fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer	Rays fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn
Day-Night Duration	Longest day and shortest night in Northern Hemisphere	Longest night and shortest day in Northern Hemisphere
Season	Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and Winter in the Southern Hemisphere	Winter in the Northern Hemisphere and Summer in the Southern Hemisphere

When the sun’s rays are vertical, or directly overhead at a place, they are concentrated over a small area. This concentrated energy results in higher temperatures because it’s more intense and direct. When the sun is lower in the sky, the rays have to pass through more of the Earth’s atmosphere and get spread out over a larger surface area, which results in a decrease in their intensity and subsequently lower temperatures. The angle at which sunlight hits the Earth is one of the main factors influencing climate and temperature.

The different experiences of winter and summer solstices in both hemispheres are primarily due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis.

The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt, combined with the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, means that at different times of the year, either the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere is tilted more directly towards the Sun.

During the summer solstice, around June 21st, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest for the Southern Hemisphere. Conversely, during the winter solstice, around December 22nd, the South Pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day of the year for the Southern Hemisphere and the shortest for the Northern Hemisphere.

So, when it’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis.

Days and nights form due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

The Earth rotates on its axis, an imaginary line that passes through the North and South poles. As it rotates, only one half of the Earth faces the Sun at a time, while the other half is in darkness. The side of the Earth facing the Sun experiences daylight, while the side facing away from the Sun experiences darkness or night.

The Earth completes one rotation on its axis approximately every 24 hours. This period of rotation, which is known as an ‘earth day’, results in a cycle of day and night.

Without rotation, one half of the Earth would be in constant daylight and the other half in perpetual darkness, which could create extreme conditions not conducive to life. Hence, Earth’s rotation is crucial for the existence of the day-night cycle.

Seasons are a result of the Earth’s rotation around the sun in an elliptical or oval-shaped path, and the tilt of the Earth’s axis, which is inclined at an angle of 23.5 degrees. As the Earth travels around the sun, the tilt of the Earth’s axis remains constant and is always pointed towards the same direction in space.

This constant tilt, coupled with the revolution of the Earth around the sun, results in varying intensity and distribution of sunlight, creating the four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

During the period from June to August, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, receiving more direct sunlight, hence it is summer there. At the same time, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere as it is tilted away from the sun.

Conversely, from September to December, it’s Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.

Finally, from March to May, the Northern Hemisphere experiences Spring while the Southern Hemisphere experiences Autumn. The constant change in Earth’s position relative to the sun causes the cycle of seasons.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1. What are the two types of movements of the Earth?
a) Orbit and Rotation
b) Rotation and Revolution
c) Axis and Revolution
d) Axis and Orbit

Question 2. What is the angle of Earth’s axis with its orbital plane?
a) 66 degrees
b) 66.5 degrees
c) 67 degrees
d) 67.5 degrees

Question 3. Which hemisphere experiences the Summer Solstice on June 21?
a) Northern Hemisphere
b) Southern Hemisphere
c) Both hemispheres
d) None of the above

Question 4. A year with 366 days is called:
a) A Leap Year
b) An Equinox Year
c) A Solstice Year
d) An Orbit Year

Question 5. On which date do direct rays of the sun fall on the equator?
a) 21st March
b) 21st June
c) 22nd December
d) Both a) and c)

The correct answer is (b) Rotation and Revolution. The Earth has two types of movements, rotation (movement on its axis) and revolution (movement around the sun in a fixed path or orbit).
The correct answer is (b) 66.5 degrees. The Earth’s axis makes an angle of 66.5° with its orbital plane.
The correct answer is (a) Northern Hemisphere. On June 21, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun experiencing the Summer Solstice.
The correct answer is (a) A Leap Year. A year with 366 days, where an extra day is added to February, is known as a leap year.
The correct answer is (d) Both a) and c). Direct rays of the sun fall on the equator on 21st March and 23rd September. These days are known as equinoxes, where the whole Earth experiences equal days and equal nights.

Case study-based questions

Case Study 1:

Rahul is a class 6 student in an Indian school who loves his geography lessons. He has learned about the rotation and revolution of the Earth, but he’s still puzzled about why the lengths of days and nights change throughout the year. He also wonders why some regions have extreme temperatures while others do not. Can you help Rahul understand these concepts?

Question 1: How would you explain to Rahul why the lengths of days and nights change throughout the year?

Question 2: How would you explain to Rahul why some regions have extreme temperatures while others do not?

Answer: The lengths of days and nights change throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis. When the Earth rotates, only one-half of it faces the Sun at a time, creating day and night. However, because the Earth is tilted, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

This results in a change in the length of days and nights. During a solstice, one hemisphere of the Earth is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day or the shortest night of the year for that hemisphere. During an equinox, neither pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in equal day and night.

Answer: The Earth is divided into different climate zones due to its spherical shape and its axial tilt. The amount of sunlight, and therefore heat, a particular region gets depends on its angle relative to the Sun.

The equator receives the most direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures. As we move towards the poles, the sunlight arrives at a slant, spreading the same amount of sunlight over a larger area, which leads to cooler temperatures.

This is why regions near the equator have a hot climate while regions near the poles have a cold climate.

Case Study 2:

Rita is a class 6 student who knows that the Earth takes about 365.25 days to complete its revolution around the Sun. She has learned about leap years and knows that they occur every four years. However, she’s confused about why we ignore the extra six hours every year and add it as an extra day in February every four years. How can you help Rita understand this concept?

Question 1: How would you explain to Rita why we add an extra day to the month of February every four years?

Question 2: Rita knows that leap years happen every four years. She’s curious about how to determine whether a specific year is a leap year or not. How would you explain this to her?

The Earth takes about 365.25 days to complete its revolution around the Sun. However, to keep our calendars simple, we generally consider a year to consist of 365 days and ignore the extra 0.25 days.

These ignored six hours accumulate over four years to form 24 hours, or one full day. To account for this extra day, we add it to our calendar every fourth year.

February, being the shortest month with 28 days, is chosen to have the extra day, making it 29 days long. This year is known as a leap year. It helps keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun.

Answer: To determine whether a specific year is a leap year, there is a simple rule. If the year can be evenly divided by 4, it is a leap year, which means it has 366 days instead of the usual 365 days, and February has 29 days instead of 28.

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