GK Questions on Earth Rotation

Welcome to an exploration of GK (General Knowledge) questions related to Earth’s rotation. Our planet’s rotation is a fundamental concept in geography and science, influencing various natural phenomena and our daily lives.

In this discussion, we will delve into key aspects of Earth’s rotation, from understanding its significance to exploring the effects it has on our planet. Whether you are curious about the Earth’s axial tilt, the Coriolis effect, or simply want to expand your knowledge about our planet’s dynamic behavior, these questions will help unravel the mysteries of Earth’s rotation and its role in shaping our world. Join us on this informative journey to gain a deeper understanding of this essential planetary motion.

GK Questions On Earth Rotation With Answers

Question. What is the time taken by the Earth to complete one full rotation on its axis?

Ans. Day

Question. In which direction does the Earth rotate?

Ans. East

Question. What is the imaginary line around which Earth rotates?

Ans. Axis

Question. What is the angle of Earth’s axis tilt relative to its orbital plane?

Ans. 23.5 degrees

Question. How many degrees does Earth rotate in one hour?

Ans. 15 degrees

Question. What is the term for the point on Earth’s surface directly above the axis?

Ans. North Pole or South Pole

Question. Which force causes the Earth to rotate?

Ans. Angular momentum

Question. What is the effect of Earth’s rotation on the direction of ocean currents?

Ans. Coriolis effect

Question. What is the term for the imaginary line that divides Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres?

Ans. Prime Meridian

Question. What is the rotational speed of Earth’s surface at the equator in kilometers per hour?

Ans. Approximately 1,670 km/h

Question. Which scientist first proposed the concept of Earth’s rotation on its axis?

Ans. Nicolaus Copernicus

Question. How many time zones are there on Earth due to its rotation?

Ans. 24

Question. What is the name of the day when the North Pole is tilted farthest from the Sun?

Ans. Winter Solstice

Question. What is the name of the day when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun?

Ans. Summer Solstice

Question. What are the two equinoxes during which day and night are approximately equal in length?

Ans. Vernal and Autumnal Equinox

Question. What is the term for the point in Earth’s orbit when it is closest to the Sun?

Ans. Perihelion

Question. What is the term for the point in Earth’s orbit when it is farthest from the Sun?

Ans. Aphelion

Question. What is the name of the natural effect caused by Earth’s rotation that makes objects appear to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere?

Ans. Coriolis effect

Question. Which device was invented by Foucault to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth?

Ans. Foucault pendulum

Question. Which measurement of time is based on the rotation of the Earth?

Ans. Solar day

Question. What is the approximate duration of a sidereal day, which is based on Earth’s rotation relative to distant stars?

Ans. 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds

Question. What is the name of the line of latitude at 0 degrees?

Ans. Equator

Question. What is the term for the path traced by the Sun in the sky during one year as a result of Earth’s orbital motion?

Ans. Ecliptic

Question. What is the phenomenon that causes the position of the North Star to change over long periods due to Earth’s precession?

Ans. Precession of the equinoxes

Question. Which Greek philosopher is credited with the concept of a heliocentric model of the solar system, including Earth’s rotation?

Ans. Aristarchus of Samos

Question. What is the name of the day when both Earth’s hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunlight, marking the beginning of spring?

Ans. Vernal Equinox

Question. What is the name of the day when the Earth’s hemispheres receive an equal amount of sunlight, marking the beginning of autumn?

Ans. Autumnal Equinox

Question. What is the term for the imaginary line that divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Ans. Equator

Question. What is the period of time during which the Sun is continuously above the horizon in polar regions due to Earth’s axial tilt?

Ans. Midnight Sun

Question. What is the phenomenon that causes a gradual change in the direction of the Earth’s axis over a 26,000-year cycle?

Ans. Axial precession

Question. What is the name of the latitude at 66.5 degrees North, beyond which the Sun does not set on the summer solstice?

Ans. Arctic Circle

Question. What is the latitude at 66.5 degrees South, beyond which the Sun does not set on the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere?

Ans. Antarctic Circle

Question. Which scientist first provided mathematical proof of Earth’s rotation using the Foucault pendulum?

Ans. Léon Foucault

Question. What is the term for the imaginary line drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole through the center of the Earth?

Ans. Meridian

Question. What is the effect of Earth’s rotation on the direction of winds and ocean currents?

Ans. Coriolis effect

Question. Which planet is often used as a reference point for comparison to Earth’s rotation?

Ans. Mars

Question. What is the phenomenon that causes the length of a day to vary slightly over the course of a year?

Ans. Equation of time

Question. What is the point on Earth’s surface directly opposite the Prime Meridian?

Ans. International Date Line

Question. Which spacecraft was launched by NASA in 2011 to study Earth’s rotation and gravitational field?

Ans. Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)

Question. What is the term for the latitude at 0 degrees, where the equator is located?

Ans. Equator

Question. What is the scientific instrument used to measure the rotation of Earth’s axis?

Ans. Gyroscope

Question. What is the effect of Earth’s rotation on the shape of the Earth, causing it to bulge slightly at the equator?

Ans. Oblateness

Question. What is the name of the line of latitude at 23.5 degrees North, where the Tropic of Cancer is located?

Ans. Tropic of Cancer

Question. What is the name of the line of latitude at 23.5 degrees South, where the Tropic of Capricorn is located?

Ans. Tropic of Capricorn

Question. What is the name of the measurement system used to define time based on Earth’s rotation?

Ans. Solar time

Question. What is the term for the point on Earth’s surface where a Foucault pendulum remains stationary?

Ans. Pole of oscillation

Question. What is the name of the location on Earth’s surface where the Sun is directly overhead at noon on the equator?

Ans. Zenith

Question. What is the name of the phenomenon that causes the length of a day to vary throughout the year, with longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter?

Ans. Analemma

FAQs on Earth Rotation

What is Earth's rotation, and why is it significant?

Earth's rotation is its spinning on its axis, and it's crucial as it causes day and night, affects climate patterns, and creates the Coriolis effect.

How long does it take for Earth to complete one full rotation?

Earth completes one full rotation approximately every 24 hours, resulting in a 24-hour day.

What is the Coriolis effect, and how does it impact global wind patterns?

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of winds due to Earth's rotation, influencing wind direction in both hemispheres and shaping weather systems.

Does Earth's rotation affect the length of a day and night at different latitudes?

Yes, Earth's rotation causes variations in day and night lengths at different latitudes, with longer days near the poles during certain seasons.

What role does Earth's axial tilt play in its rotation, and how does it contribute to the changing seasons?

Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees leads to the changing seasons as it affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received by different regions throughout the year.