Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology Time taken for one complete rotation of earth on its own axis.. 24 hrs 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds 24 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself B Correct answer Explanation Earth completes one rotation relative to the fixed stars in 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds, called a sidereal day. This is slightly less than 24 hours due to Earth's orbital motion.