Difference between Rotation and Revolution

Rotation and revolution both are circular motions, which may appear similar, but are different from each other. Let us see how they differ from each other and the major differences between them.

Rotation vs Revolution

Rotation

Rotation is a circular motion in which an object moves around its axis that passes through its centre. For example, the movement of the earth around its own axis is called rotation. Similarly, the moon also moves around its axis and the ring in the finger also rotates around its axis circularly. The rotation of the earth is from west to east and it requires 23 hours 56 min 40 sec to complete one 360-degree rotation.

Effects of Earth's rotation

  • On the North side of the effect of the earth's rotation is from right to left. Let us take an example of the sink and tap of water. When the tap of water is on, the water goes into the sink, and under the sink, the water rotates in the direction of right to left. On the earth's northern side, it is happening.
  • On the south side of the earth, the effect of this rotation is left to right. Again consider the example of sink and tap of water. When the tap of water is on, water goes into the sink, and under the sink, the water rotates in the direction of left to right. On the earth's southern side, it is happening.
  • On the Equator of the earth, when the tap of water is on, the water directly goes into the sink. The water is not rotating on the left or not on the right. It goes straight.
  • Another effect of rotation is the cyclone or anticyclone that start form the north and goes towards to south.
  • Changes in temperature are also the effect of the earth's rotation.
  • At night time we feel the earth is following us where ever go. It happens due to the rotation of the earth.
  • When we throw the stone from the top of the building, it falls towards the east side. It does not fall straight or at 90 degrees. It is changing its angle towards the east. This happens because of rotation.

Revolution

Revolution is a circulation motion of an object around another object. For example, the circular motion of the Earth around the sun is known as revolution. Similarly, the moon revolves around the earth. The sun's gravity is strong that it holds all heavy bodies in their orbit. So all that heavy bodies move around the sun. Similarly, the earth also has a strong gravitational force that enables the moon to revolve around the earth.

Effects of Earth's revolution

  • It causes periodic changes, e.g., different seasons like summer, winter, etc.
  • When there is summer on earth, the earth is on the left-hand side of the sun.
  • When there is winter on earth, the earth is on the right-hand side of the sun.
  • At the time of the spring season on earth, the Earth position is on the top side of the sun.
  • At the time of the autumn season on earth, the Earth remains below the sun.

Different between Rotation and Revolution:

RotationRevolution
When an object is moving around its own axis through its centre, it is called rotation.Revolution means to move around in a circular path around another object.
Earth is rotating from its west to east around its axis.The direction of the revolution of earth is right to left.
Rotation of the earth forms day and night.Its effects result in the formation of seasons, like summer, winter, etc.
It is the motion of the earth in which the earth rotates around its axis.It is the motion of the earth in which the earth revolves around the sun.
Common examples include hands of clocks, spinning top, wheel, etc.Examples are merry go round, a round turn taken by a car, etc.





Latest Courses