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?

The correct option is (a). Explanation The Earth has two primary types of motion: rotation and revolution. These motions are responsible for phenomena such as day and night, seasons, and the measurement of time. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Rotation is defined as the movement of the Earth on its axis. The Earth rotates from west to east, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete one rotation. This motion is the primary cause of the cycle of day and night. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path or orbit. However, this orbit is elliptical (oval-shaped), not perfectly circular. It takes 365¼ days for the Earth to complete one revolution. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The axis of the Earth is an imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth connecting the North and South Poles. It is not a physical line. Furthermore, this imaginary axis is tilted at an angle of 66½° with the plane of its orbit. Key Takeaway: The Earth's axis is an imaginary line, and its orbit around the Sun is elliptical, not circular. Rotation refers to spinning on the axis, while revolution refers to orbiting the Sun.

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

mcqeasy

With reference to the motions of the Earth, consider the following statements:

Rotation is the movement of the Earth on its axis.
Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a perfectly circular orbit.
The axis of the Earth is a physical line connecting the North and South Poles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The Earth has two primary types of motion: rotation and revolution. These motions are responsible for phenomena such as day and night, seasons, and the measurement of time.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Rotation is defined as the movement of the Earth on its axis. The Earth rotates from west to east, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete one rotation. This motion is the primary cause of the cycle of day and night.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path or orbit. However, this orbit is elliptical (oval-shaped), not perfectly circular. It takes 365¼ days for the Earth to complete one revolution.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The axis of the Earth is an imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth connecting the North and South Poles. It is not a physical line. Furthermore, this imaginary axis is tilted at an angle of 66½° with the plane of its orbit.

Key Takeaway: The Earth's axis is an imaginary line, and its orbit around the Sun is elliptical, not circular. Rotation refers to spinning on the axis, while revolution refers to orbiting the Sun.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Motions of the Earth

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

easy

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

medium

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?

medium

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

medium

If the Earth did not rotate, which of the following conditions would prevail? 1. The portion of Earth facing the Sun would experience continuous day. 2. The portion away from the Sun would experience a moderate climate. 3. Life would not be possible in such extreme conditions. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Motions of the Earth

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 Geography chapters

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The Earth has two primary types of motion: rotation and revolution. These motions are responsible for phenomena such as day and night, seasons, and the measurement of time.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Rotation is defined as the movement of the Earth on its axis. The Earth rotates from west to east, which takes approximately 24 hours to complete one rotation. This motion is the primary cause of the cycle of day and night.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path or orbit. However, this orbit is elliptical (oval-shaped), not perfectly circular. It takes 365¼ days for the Earth to complete one revolution.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The axis of the Earth is an imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth connecting the North and South Poles. It is not a physical line. Furthermore, this imaginary axis is tilted at an angle of 66½° with the plane of its orbit.