ASVAB · Earth and Space Science

What causes the cycle of day and night on Earth?

Correct answer

Earth's rotation on its axis

A Earth's orbit around the Sun
B Earth's rotation on its axis
C The Moon's gravity
D Changes in the seasons

Why this is the answer

Day and night are caused by Earth's rotation on its axis, which takes about 24 hours. As Earth spins, the side facing the Sun experiences day and the side facing away experiences night. Earth's orbit around the Sun (about 365 days) causes the year and, combined with the tilt of the axis, the seasons — not the daily day/night cycle. The Moon's gravity mainly drives the tides. Distinguishing rotation (daily spin → day/night) from revolution/orbit (yearly trip → year and seasons) is essential Earth-science knowledge.

Source: ASVAB GS, Earth's Rotation

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What causes the cycle of day and night on Earth?

Why this is the answer

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