Question 1 of 10
The apparent daily motion of the Sun across the sky (rising in the east and setting in the west) is caused by:
AEarth's rotation on its axis
Bthe Sun orbiting Earth
Cthe gravitational pull of the Moon
DEarth's revolution around the Sun
Explanation
Earth rotates west-to-east on its axis, making the Sun appear to move east-to-west each day.
Question 2 of 10
The shape of the orbits of the planets around the Sun is best described as:
Aa perfect circle
Ba straight line
Ca square
Dan ellipse
Explanation
Planetary orbits are ellipses (slightly elongated circles), with the Sun at one focus.
Question 3 of 10
Using the labeled contour lines on the map, what is the contour interval? 
A20 feet
B80 feet
C10 feet
D40 feet
Explanation
The contour interval is the elevation change between adjacent lines: 20 − 0 = 20.
Question 4 of 10
Approximately how long does one complete revolution of Earth around the Sun take?
A365¼ days (one year)
B30 days
C27.3 days
D24 hours
Explanation
One revolution (orbit) of Earth around the Sun takes about 365¼ days — one year.
Question 5 of 10
The topographic map shows four locations labeled A, B, C, and D. At which location is the land surface STEEPEST? 
AB
BC
CA
DD
Explanation
Contour lines bunched close together show a steep slope (large elevation change over a short horizontal distance). They are closest at point A.
Question 6 of 10
About how long does it take Earth to ROTATE once on its axis?
Aabout one month
B24 hours
C12 hours
D365 days
Explanation
One rotation of Earth on its axis takes about 24 hours, producing day and night.
Question 7 of 10
As altitude increases within the lower atmosphere, air pressure generally:
Adecreases
Bincreases
Cdoubles
Dstays constant
Explanation
There is less air above you at higher altitudes, so air pressure decreases.
Question 8 of 10
On a topographic map, contour lines that are spaced very close together indicate:
Aperfectly flat land
Ba body of water
Ca steep slope
Da gentle slope
Explanation
Closely spaced contour lines mean elevation changes rapidly over a short distance — a steep slope.
Question 9 of 10
As the temperature of air increases, the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold:
Astays the same
Bincreases
Cdrops to zero
Ddecreases
Explanation
Warmer air can hold more water vapor before becoming saturated.
Question 10 of 10
A barometer is an instrument used to measure:
Aair temperature
Brelative humidity
Cwind speed
Dair pressure
Explanation
A barometer measures atmospheric (air) pressure.