With reference to the Earth's axis and orbital plane, consider the following: 1. The axis makes an angle of 23½° with the vertical line from the orbital plane. 2. The axis makes an angle of 90° with the orbital plane itself. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation The Earth rotates on an imaginary line called its axis while revolving around the Sun. The flat plane defined by the Earth's orbit around the Sun is known as the orbital plane or the plane of the ecliptic. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Earth's axis is not perpendicular to the orbital plane. It is tilted and makes an angle of 23½° with the normal (vertical line) drawn from the orbital plane. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The axis does not form a 90° angle with the orbital plane. Instead, the axis makes an angle of 66½° with the orbital plane itself (calculated as 90° - 23½°). Key Takeaway: The Earth's axis is inclined at 23½° from the vertical perpendicular and 66½° from the horizontal orbital plane.

With reference to the Earth's axis and… - NCERT Class 6 Geography MCQ

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the Earth's axis and orbital plane, consider the following:

The axis makes an angle of 23½° with the vertical line from the orbital plane.
The axis makes an angle of 90° with the orbital plane itself.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT The Earth Our Habitat · Page 18

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The Earth rotates on an imaginary line called its axis while revolving around the Sun. The flat plane defined by the Earth's orbit around the Sun is known as the orbital plane or the plane of the ecliptic.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Earth's axis is not perpendicular to the orbital plane. It is tilted and makes an angle of 23½° with the normal (vertical line) drawn from the orbital plane.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The axis does not form a 90° angle with the orbital plane. Instead, the axis makes an angle of 66½° with the orbital plane itself (calculated as 90° - 23½°).

Key Takeaway: The Earth's axis is inclined at 23½° from the vertical perpendicular and 66½° from the horizontal orbital plane.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Motions of the Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the Equinox: 1. Neither of the poles is tilted towards the Sun. 2. Direct rays of the Sun fall on the Tropic of Cancer. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the seasons: 1. Seasons change due to the change in the position of the Earth around the Sun. 2. The Earth's axis changes its direction of inclination every six months. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What is the latitudinal position of the Tropic of Capricorn?

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If it is Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, what season is it in the Southern Hemisphere?

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Which of the following best explains why February has 29 days every fourth year?

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