Which of the following correctly differentiates the events of equinox with that of solstice?
1. In a solstice only a particular tropic receives direct vertical rays of the Sun unlike in an equinox the equator receives direct vertical rays of Sun.
2. Solstice is caused only due to rotation of the earth, whereas equinox is caused only due to revolution of the earth.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a)
1 only
b)
2 only
c)
Both 1 and 2
d)
None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Which of the following correctly differentiates the events of equinox with that of solstice?

1. In a solstice only a particular tropic receives direct vertical rays of the Sun unlike in an equinox the equator receives direct vertical rays of Sun.
2. Solstice is caused only due to rotation of the earth, whereas equinox is caused only due to revolution of the earth.

Which of the above is/are correct?

a)
1 only
b)
2 only
c)
Both 1 and 2
d)
None

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Answer

Justification: Statement 1: The image below explains statement 1. Notice
how on Summer equinox, Tropic of Cancer receives direct overhead rays of
the Sun, while in Winter solstice, it is the Tropic of Capricorn.
On an equinox, when days and nights are equal in duration, Sun is directly
overhead the equator, causing equal days and nights.

Statement 2: Both are caused due to axial tilt of the earth, its revolution
and also rotation (to cause day and night). The diagram above makes it
clear.

Q Source: Page 19: NCERT 6th Geography: The Earth Our Habitat

Answer

Solstice and equinox both are caused due to revolutions that is why 2 is wrong so answer wiil be a

Answer

A option is correct

Answer

The Difference Between Equinox and Solstice

Introduction:
Equinox and solstice are astronomical events that mark significant changes in the Earth's tilt and position relative to the Sun. While both events are related to the Earth's revolution and rotation, there are key differences between them. Let's explore these differences in detail.

Equinox:
1. Definition: An equinox occurs twice a year, in March and September, when the Sun is directly above the equator.
2. Sun's Position: During an equinox, the Sun's rays fall directly on the equator, making the day and night equal in length all over the world.
3. Earth's Tilt: The equinox happens when the Earth's tilt is neither towards nor away from the Sun, resulting in equal distribution of sunlight across the globe.
4. Cause: The equinox is caused by the Earth's revolution around the Sun.

Solstice:
1. Definition: A solstice, on the other hand, occurs twice a year, in June and December, when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year.
2. Sun's Position: During a solstice, the Sun's rays fall directly on the Tropics of Cancer or Capricorn, depending on the hemisphere, resulting in varying lengths of day and night.
3. Earth's Tilt: The solstice occurs when the Earth's tilt is at its maximum angle towards or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be at its highest or lowest point in the sky.
4. Cause: The solstice is caused by the Earth's tilt on its axis.

Summary:
In summary, the correct differentiations between the events of equinox and solstice are:
1. Equinox: The equinox occurs when the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths worldwide. It is caused by the Earth's revolution around the Sun.
2. Solstice: The solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year. It is caused by the Earth's tilt on its axis.

Therefore, option 'A' (1 only) is the correct answer, as it accurately differentiates the events of equinox with that of solstice.

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