NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 1: Motions of the Earth

mcqeasy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the movement of the Earth?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe Earth rotates from East to West.
BThe Earth revolves in a circular orbit.
CThe Earth's axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane.
DThe Earth rotates from West to East.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

The Earth rotates from West to East.

Explanation

The Earth exhibits two primary motions: rotation on its axis and revolution around the Sun. These movements, combined with the inclination of the Earth's axis, determine phenomena such as day and night, seasons, and the apparent motion of celestial bodies.

Analysis of Options:

The Earth rotates from East to West. is Incorrect: The Earth rotates on its axis from West to East. This direction of rotation causes the Sun, Moon, and stars to appear to rise in the East and set in the West.
The Earth revolves in a circular orbit. is Incorrect: The Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, not a circular one. This elliptical path results in the Earth being closest to the Sun at Perihelion and farthest at Aphelion.
The Earth rotates from West to East. is Correct: As established, the direction of the Earth's rotation is from West to East.
The Earth's axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane. is Incorrect: The Earth's axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the orbital plane. It is tilted at an angle of 66½° to the plane of its orbit (orbital plane) and 23½° to the line perpendicular to the orbital plane.

Key Takeaway: The Earth rotates from West to East on an axis tilted at 66½° to its orbital plane, while revolving around the Sun in an elliptical orbit.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Motions of the Earth

With reference to the motions of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. Rotation is the movement of the Earth on its axis. 2. Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a perfectly circular orbit. 3. The axis of the Earth is a physical line connecting the North and South Poles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the geometry of the Earth, what angle does the Earth's axis make with its orbital plane?

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In the context of Earth's geometry, the term "Orbital Plane" refers to:

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Circle of Illumination": 1. It is the circle that divides the day from night on the globe. 2. It coincides exactly with the axis of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which one of the following factors is primarily responsible for the phenomenon where only half of the Earth receives sunlight at any given time?

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The correct option is

The Earth rotates from West to East.

Explanation

Analysis of Options:

The Earth rotates from East to West. is Incorrect: The Earth rotates on its axis from West to East. This direction of rotation causes the Sun, Moon, and stars to appear to rise in the East and set in the West.
The Earth revolves in a circular orbit. is Incorrect: The Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, not a circular one. This elliptical path results in the Earth being closest to the Sun at Perihelion and farthest at Aphelion.
The Earth rotates from West to East. is Correct: As established, the direction of the Earth's rotation is from West to East.
The Earth's axis is perpendicular to the orbital plane. is Incorrect: The Earth's axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the orbital plane. It is tilted at an angle of 66½° to the plane of its orbit (orbital plane) and 23½° to the line perpendicular to the orbital plane.

Key Takeaway: The Earth rotates from West to East on an axis tilted at 66½° to its orbital plane, while revolving around the Sun in an elliptical orbit.