What is the term used to describe one complete orbit of the Earth around the Sun?

Prepare for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to get you ready for exam success!

The term that describes one complete orbit of the Earth around the Sun is "revolution." In this context, revolution refers specifically to the motion of an object traveling around another object. The Earth makes one complete revolution around the Sun approximately every 365.25 days, which defines the length of a year. This orbital path results in the changing seasons due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its position in its orbit relative to the Sun.

Rotation, on the other hand, refers to the Earth spinning on its axis, which causes day and night. Orbit refers more generally to the path taken by an object as it travels around another object, but it does not specify the complete cycle like revolution does. Translation represents the movement of an object from one location to another, which does not specifically pertain to the orbital path of the Earth around the Sun. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping basic astronomical terminology and the motions involved in our solar system.

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