Question 6 (j)
Write the different causes for the variation in the lengths of day and night.
Answer
The variation in the lengths of day and night are caused by a number of factors, including:
- The Earth’s axial tilt: The tilt of the Earth’s axis is responsible for the changing seasons and also for the variation in day and night lengths.
- The latitude of the observer: The length of day and night can also vary depending on the latitude of the observer. At the equator, day and night are roughly equal in length throughout the year, while at higher latitudes the variation becomes more pronounced.
- The time of year: The length of day and night also varies depending on the time of year. This is because the Earth’s orbit is elliptical, not circular, and the planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun. As a result, the length of day and night can vary by a few minutes throughout the year.
