CBSE Class 6 Social Science The Earth Our Habitat Important Questions Chapter 3 - Motions of the Earth - Free PDF Download
FAQs on Important Questions for CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3 - Motions of the Earth
1. What are the two primary motions of the Earth as described in CBSE Class 6 Social Science Chapter 3?
The two primary motions of the Earth are rotation and revolution.
- Rotation is the movement of the Earth on its own axis, which it completes in about 24 hours, causing day and night.
- Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in a fixed path or orbit, which takes approximately 365.25 days to complete, causing the cycle of seasons.
2. What is a leap year and why is it a frequently asked question in exams?
A leap year is a year with 366 days instead of the usual 365. It occurs every four years. This is an important concept because it explains how our calendar system accounts for the fact that the Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to revolve around the Sun. The extra 0.25 day is added up over four years to make one full day (0.25 x 4 = 1), which is added to the month of February.
3. How can you differentiate between the Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice for your exam?
To score full marks on this important question, you must mention the Earth's tilt and the Sun's position.
- During the Summer Solstice (around June 21st), the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The Sun's rays fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
- During the Winter Solstice (around December 22nd), the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The Sun's rays fall directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
4. Why do seasons change? Is it because the Earth gets closer to the Sun?
No, this is a common misconception. The change in seasons is not caused by the Earth's changing distance from the Sun. The primary reason for seasons is the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees. As the Earth revolves around the Sun, different parts of the planet are tilted towards or away from the Sun's direct rays. A hemisphere tilted towards the Sun receives more direct sunlight and experiences summer, while a hemisphere tilted away experiences winter.
5. What would happen if the Earth did not rotate on its axis?
If the Earth did not rotate, one half of the planet would face the Sun continuously, leading to perpetual daylight and extreme heat. The other half would be in perpetual darkness and experience extreme cold. This vast temperature difference would make life as we know it impossible to sustain.
6. What is the 'circle of illumination' and what is its significance?
The circle of illumination is the imaginary line that separates the sunlit part of the Earth (day) from the part in darkness (night). Its significance lies in the fact that it does not coincide with the Earth's tilted axis. This is why the lengths of day and night are generally unequal across the globe, except during the equinoxes.
7. Why are days and nights of equal length all over the world during an equinox?
During an equinox (around March 21st and September 23rd), the Earth's axis is not tilted towards or away from the Sun. At this specific point in its orbit, the Sun's direct rays shine directly on the equator. As a result, the circle of illumination passes through both the North and South Poles, dividing the Earth into two equal halves of light and darkness, leading to equal day and night duration everywhere.
8. Which diagrams are important to practise from Chapter 3, 'Motions of the Earth', for the 2025-26 exam?
For scoring well in exams, it is highly recommended to practise drawing and labelling the following diagrams from this chapter:
- The diagram showing the Revolution of the Earth and Seasons, clearly marking the positions for solstices and equinoxes.
- A diagram illustrating the Summer and Winter Solstices, showing the Earth's tilt and the direct rays of the Sun on the Tropics.
- The position of the Earth during an Equinox, showing direct sunlight on the equator.

















