Multiple choice

The exact time taken by the earth for single rotation on its own axis is

  1. 24 hours

  2. 24 hours and 35 seconds

  3. 23 hours, 50 minutes and 7.2 seconds

  4. 23 hours, 56 minutes and 4.09 seconds
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Earth completes one rotation relative to the fixed stars (a sidereal day) in 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09 seconds. This is slightly less than 24 hours because during Earth's rotation, it also moves along its orbit. The solar day (noon to noon) averages 24 hours, but the actual rotation period is shorter.

Keep practicing — related questions