Fill in the blank:
The Earth takes approximately ______ hours to complete one rotation on its own axis with respect to the sun. The period of rotation is known as the Earth day.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
24
Explanation
The Earth completes one rotation on its axis in approximately 24 hours. This duration, often rounded to 24 hours for civil timekeeping purposes, defines the length of a solar day. While the Earth's precise rotation period with respect to the stars (a sidereal day) is approximately 23 hours and 56 minutes, the rotation with respect to the sun (a solar day) averages out to 24 hours. This cycle of rotation is responsible for the sequence of day and night.
Key Points
Rotation is the movement of the Earth on its axis, which causes day and night. The Earth rotates from west to east. Because of this rotation, the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west. This daily cycle is fundamental to biological rhythms and the measurement of time on Earth.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: What is the exact rotation period of the Earth relative to the stars called?
Answer: A sidereal day (approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds).
Question: What does the rotation of the Earth from west to east cause?
Answer: The apparent movement of celestial bodies across the sky and the phenomenon of day and night.