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Questions and Answers
Which term describes the shape of the Earth?
Which term describes the shape of the Earth?
- Oblate spheroid (correct)
- Sphere
- Cylinder
- Ellipsoid
What is the difference between the equatorial circumference and polar circumference of the Earth?
What is the difference between the equatorial circumference and polar circumference of the Earth?
- The equatorial circumference and polar circumference are equal
- The polar circumference is larger than the equatorial circumference
- The equatorial circumference and polar circumference cannot be measured
- The equatorial circumference is larger than the polar circumference (correct)
Why is the Earth considered an oblate spheroid?
Why is the Earth considered an oblate spheroid?
- Because it is perfectly round
- Because it is a combination of a sphere and a cylinder
- Because it has a bulging equator and flattened poles (correct)
- Because it is elongated in shape
What quantities can be computed based on the Earth's measurements?
What quantities can be computed based on the Earth's measurements?
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What is the suffix attached to the root word 'sphere' to describe the Earth's shape?
What is the suffix attached to the root word 'sphere' to describe the Earth's shape?
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Study Notes
Earth's Shape
- The Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is a sphere that is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator.
Earth's Circumference
- The equatorial circumference of the Earth is 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles).
- The polar circumference of the Earth is 40,008 kilometers (24,860 miles).
- The difference between the two is approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles), which is caused by the Earth's rotation.
Earth's Rotation
- The Earth's rotation causes a centrifugal force that pushes outward, causing the equator to bulge and the poles to flatten.
Earth's Measurements
- Based on the Earth's measurements, we can calculate:
- Surface area
- Volume
- Gravity
- Rotation period
Suffix for Earth's Shape
- The suffix "oid" is attached to the root word "sphere" to describe the Earth's shape as an oblate spheroid.
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Description
This quiz tests your knowledge on Earth's measurements and properties. It covers topics such as the equatorial and polar circumference, the Earth's shape, and relevant quantities like mass and diameter. Get ready to compare, account for, and compute in this 30-minute quiz!
