Seasons occur because the Earth is tilted on its axis relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt means different parts of the Earth get more sunlight at different times of the year.
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MCQs
1. Which season is it in the Northern Hemisphere when it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere?
A) Winter
B) Spring
C) Summer
D) Autumn
Answer: C. Summer
Explanation: When it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere because the Earth’s tilt causes each hemisphere to receive different amounts of sunlight at opposite times of the year.
2. Why is it warmer in summer than in winter?
A) The Earth is closer to the Sun in summer
B) The Sun’s rays hit the Earth more directly in summer
C) The Earth spins faster in summer
D) There are more hours of daylight in the winter
Answer: B. The Sun’s rays hit the Earth more directly in summer
Explanation: In summer, the Sun’s rays hit the Earth at a more direct angle, which means they are concentrated over a smaller area and therefore impart more heat, making it warmer.
3. What day marks the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere?
A) December 21
B) March 21
C) June 21
D) September 21
Answer: B. March 21
Explanation: March 21 is commonly referred to as the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the start of spring when day and night are approximately equal in length.
4. How does the tilt of the Earth’s axis affect the seasons?
A) It changes the Earth’s distance from the Sun
B) It causes the Earth to orbit the Sun faster
C) It determines which hemisphere receives more sunlight
D) It causes the Moon to change phases
Answer: C. It determines which hemisphere receives more sunlight
Explanation: The Earth’s spin axis is tilted with respect to its orbital plane. This is what causes the seasons. When the Earth’s axis points towards the sun, it is summer for that hemisphere.
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