The day-night cycle is a result of which planetary motion?

The day-night cycle is a result of which planetary motion?

• A. Moon's revolution around Earth
• B. Earth's rotation on its axis
• C. The Sun's orbit around the galaxy
• D. The Moon's tilt

Answer: (B)

The day-night cycle comes from Earth rotating on its axis. As the planet spins, different parts of the surface turn toward or away from the Sun. When your location faces the Sun, it’s daylight; about 12 hours later, the same spot faces away and it’s night. This rotation happens roughly once every 24 hours, which creates the regular pattern of day and night. The other options don’t drive the daily cycle. The Moon’s revolution around Earth affects lunar phases and what part of the sky is visible at night, not the presence of day versus night. The Sun’s orbit around the galaxy is an enormous, slow motion that doesn’t impact daily lighting on Earth. The Moon’s tilt is not what causes day and night.

The day-night cycle comes from Earth rotating on its axis. As the planet spins, different parts of the surface turn toward or away from the Sun. When your location faces the Sun, it’s daylight; about 12 hours later, the same spot faces away and it’s night. This rotation happens roughly once every 24 hours, which creates the regular pattern of day and night.

The other options don’t drive the daily cycle. The Moon’s revolution around Earth affects lunar phases and what part of the sky is visible at night, not the presence of day versus night. The Sun’s orbit around the galaxy is an enormous, slow motion that doesn’t impact daily lighting on Earth. The Moon’s tilt is not what causes day and night.