🌍 Class 6 Geography Chapter – Motions of the Earth (Q&A)
Welcome to the Question & Answer section of the NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter “Motions of the Earth.” This page includes all important textbook questions, short and long answer questions, and conceptual questions designed to help you prepare for exams effectively. Ideal for revision, homework help, and understanding key concepts of Earth’s movement.
📘 NCERT Textbook Questions & Answers
Q1. What is the angle of inclination of the Earth's axis with its orbital plane?
👉 The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 66½° with respect to its orbital plane.
Q2. Define rotation and revolution.
👉 Rotation is the movement of the Earth on its axis. The Earth takes 24 hours to complete one rotation, which causes day and night.
👉 Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path called an orbit. It takes 365¼ days (1 year) to complete one revolution, which causes seasons.
Q3. What would happen if the Earth did not rotate?
👉 If the Earth did not rotate, one half of it would always face the Sun and experience continuous daylight, while the other half would remain in darkness. This would cause extreme temperatures on both sides, making life nearly impossible.
Q4. What is a leap year?
👉 A year that has 366 days instead of the usual 365 days is called a leap year. An extra day is added in the month of February (29 days) every four years to account for the extra ¼ day accumulated each year during revolution.
Q5. Differentiate between Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice.
👉 Summer Solstice: Occurs on 21st June. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun and receives more sunlight. It marks the longest day and shortest night.
👉 Winter Solstice: Occurs on 22nd December. The Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day and longest night.
Q6. What is an equinox? When do the equinoxes occur?
👉 An equinox is the time when day and night are of equal length all over the Earth. It occurs twice a year — on 21st March (Spring Equinox) and 23rd September (Autumn Equinox).
Q7. Why do the seasons change?
👉 Seasons change due to the Earth's revolution around the Sun and the tilt of its axis. As the Earth moves, different parts receive varying amounts of sunlight at different times of the year.
📝 Extra Short Answer Questions
Q1. Name the two types of motions of the Earth.
👉 Rotation and Revolution.
Q2. How long does the Earth take to complete one rotation?
👉 24 hours.
Q3. What is the orbit?
👉 The fixed elliptical path in which the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Q4. What causes day and night?
👉 The rotation of the Earth causes day and night.
Q5. What causes the change of seasons?
👉 The revolution of the Earth and its tilted axis.
📖 Long Answer Type Questions
Q1. Explain how rotation of the Earth causes day and night.
👉 The Earth rotates on its axis from west to east once every 24 hours. As a result, only half of the Earth faces the Sun at any given time and receives light, causing daytime. The other half remains in darkness, experiencing night. This continuous rotation brings a cycle of day and night.
Q2. Explain how the revolution of the Earth causes seasons.
👉 The Earth takes one year (365¼ days) to revolve around the Sun. Its axis is tilted at 66½° and remains pointed in the same direction throughout the year. As a result, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight during the year, creating the four main seasons — summer, winter, spring, and autumn.
Q3. Describe the significance of solstices and equinoxes.
👉 Solstices and equinoxes mark important positions in the Earth’s revolution around the Sun. The Summer Solstice (21st June) and Winter Solstice (22nd December) mark the longest and shortest days respectively. The Equinoxes (21st March and 23rd September) are when day and night are equal across the globe. These events divide the year into different seasons.
Q4. What would be the impact on life if the Earth's axis were not tilted?
👉 If the Earth's axis were not tilted, there would be no seasonal variation. Every place on Earth would receive the same amount of sunlight throughout the year. This would affect the growth of crops, climate patterns, biodiversity, and human activities. The concept of seasons as we know them would not exist.
🧠 HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)
Q1. Why do poles experience six months of day and six months of night?
👉 Because of the Earth's tilt, when the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences continuous daylight for six months (Summer in Northern Hemisphere) and darkness for the other six months (Winter). The same happens alternately at the South Pole.
Q2. What would happen if the Earth’s orbit changed from elliptical to circular?
👉 If Earth’s orbit became perfectly circular, the variation in distance between Earth and Sun would reduce, causing minor or no seasonal temperature differences. This would make seasons less distinct.
Q3. How do solstices and equinoxes impact agricultural patterns?
👉 Solstices and equinoxes determine sunlight availability and temperature in a region, directly impacting sowing and harvesting periods. Farmers depend on these seasonal cues to grow crops.
🔍 Fill in the Blanks (with answers)
- 1. The Earth completes one revolution around the Sun in 365¼ days.
- 2. The movement of the Earth on its axis is called rotation.
- 3. On 21st March and 23rd September, the whole Earth experiences equal day and night.
- 4. The Earth is tilted at an angle of 66½ degrees with respect to its orbit.
- 5. The path of the Earth around the Sun is called an orbit.
📌 Summary of Important Q&A Patterns
- Definition-based: Rotation, Revolution, Leap Year.
- Conceptual: Causes of seasons, solstices, equinoxes.
- Analytical: What if Earth didn’t rotate or tilt?
- Practical: Impact on agriculture and life.
- NCERT direct questions + value-added HOTS.
Study smart. Stay curious. The Earth is always in motion, and so should your mind be.
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