Multiple choice

The word used to describe the shape of the Earth is ________.

  1. sphere

  2. oblate ellipsoid

  3. circle

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Earth's shape is technically an oblate ellipsoid (also called oblate spheroid), meaning it's slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator. This shape results from Earth's rotation causing centrifugal force. A perfect sphere doesn't capture this subtle but important geometric difference.

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