Earth Quiz : Test Your Planetary Knowledge
Earth Quiz Challenge
Test your knowledge about our home planet in this 15-question quiz with a 5-minute timer!
What is the approximate diameter of Earth?
Earth's equatorial diameter is about 12,742 km (7,918 miles). This makes Earth the fifth largest planet in our solar system.
The correct answer is 12,742 km. Earth's diameter is measured across its equator and is slightly larger than its polar diameter due to its oblate spheroid shape.
Which gas makes up the majority of Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere by volume. Oxygen is the second most abundant gas at about 21%.
The correct answer is Nitrogen. It constitutes approximately 78% of the atmosphere, with oxygen at 21% and other gases like argon and carbon dioxide making up the rest.
What is the largest continent on Earth by land area?
Asia is the largest continent, covering about 44.58 million square kilometers, or roughly 30% of Earth's land area.
The correct answer is Asia. It spans about 44.58 million square kilometers, significantly larger than Africa (30.37 million sq km) and other continents.
How long does it take Earth to complete one rotation on its axis?
Earth takes approximately 24 hours (23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds, to be precise) to complete one rotation, which defines a sidereal day.
The correct answer is 24 hours. This rotation period is responsible for the cycle of day and night. The 365-day period refers to Earth's orbit around the Sun.
What is the primary source of Earth's climate system energy?
The Sun provides the primary energy for Earth's climate system through solar radiation, driving weather patterns, ocean currents, and the water cycle.
The correct answer is the Sun. Solar energy powers Earth's climate, influencing temperature, weather, and atmospheric circulation. Earth's core contributes to geothermal energy, but it's secondary.
Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, between about 15 and 35 km above Earth's surface. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.
The correct answer is the Stratosphere. The ozone layer, which protects Earth from UV radiation, is found here, unlike the troposphere where weather occurs.
What is the largest ocean on Earth?
The Pacific Ocean is the largest, covering about 155.6 million square kilometers and containing more than half of Earth's free water.
The correct answer is the Pacific Ocean. It’s the largest and deepest ocean, covering about one-third of Earth's surface.
What is the primary composition of Earth's core?
Earth's core is primarily composed of iron and nickel, with the outer core being liquid and the inner core solid due to immense pressure.
The correct answer is iron and nickel. These metals dominate Earth's core, with the outer core being molten and the inner core solid.
What is the highest mountain on Earth?
Mount Everest, in the Himalayas, is the highest mountain above sea level, with a peak at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).
The correct answer is Mount Everest. At 8,848 meters, it’s the tallest mountain above sea level, located in the Himalayas on the Nepal-China border.
What causes Earth's magnetic field?
Earth's magnetic field is generated by the dynamo effect of molten iron and nickel moving in the outer core, creating electric currents.
The correct answer is molten iron in the outer core. The movement of this liquid metal generates Earth's magnetic field via the dynamo effect.
How much of Earth's surface is covered by water?
About 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water, primarily in oceans, with the remaining 29% being landmasses like continents and islands.
The correct answer is 71%. Oceans, seas, and other water bodies cover about 71% of Earth's surface, making it the dominant feature of our planet.
What is the name of the supercontinent that existed about 300 million years ago?
Pangaea was the supercontinent that formed about 300 million years ago and began breaking apart around 175 million years ago, leading to today's continents.
The correct answer is Pangaea. This supercontinent included most of Earth's landmasses before they split into the continents we know today.
Which process drives plate tectonics on Earth?
Mantle convection, driven by heat from Earth's core and radioactive decay, causes the movement of tectonic plates, shaping Earth's surface.
The correct answer is mantle convection. The slow churning of hot material in the mantle drives the movement of Earth's tectonic plates.
What is the deepest point in Earth's oceans?
The Mariana Trench, in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest point on Earth, reaching a depth of about 11,000 meters (36,000 feet).
The correct answer is the Mariana Trench. It’s the deepest known point in Earth's oceans, with the Challenger Deep reaching approximately 11,000 meters.
How long does it take Earth to orbit the Sun?
Earth takes about 365.25 days to complete one orbit around the Sun, which is why we have a leap year every four years to account for the extra time.
The correct answer is 365.25 days. This orbital period defines a year, with the fractional day leading to a leap year every four years.
Your Earth Quiz Score
Based on your answers, here's how much you know about our home planet:
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