Difference Between Rotation and Revolution

The main difference between Rotation and Revolution is that Rotation is the circular motion of an object around its own axis while Revolution is the circular motion of an object around another object or center.

Rotation vs Revolution

The circular motion of an object on its own axis or around an internal axis is known as rotation. On the other hand, the circular motion of an object around any other object or external axis is known as revolution.

There is no change in the position of an organism due to rotation. On the other hand, the revolution of an object also causes a change in its position. A spinning top is an example of rotation, while; merry-go-round is the example of revolution.

The rotation of the earth regulates the day, that is, when the earth completes a rotation on its own axis, a day is completed. On the other hand, the revolution of the earth regulates a complete year, that is, when the earth completes its only revolution around the sun, a year is completed. So, it means that, when the Earth completes its one revolution, the Earth has rotated 365 times on its own axis. Also, in rotation, the earth rotates around its own axis on the way from west to east. On the other hand, in revolution, the earth revolves around the sun in an elliptical path.

Comparison chart

The word “rotation” refers to the circular movement of an element around a point, that is, its own axis. Actually, there is an imaginary line called the axis of rotation. A three-dimensional element rotates around this axis.

During the rotary motion of an object, each and every point on the object forms a circle around the center point. Therefore, any point on the shape has the same distance from the center or from the axis. It is expressed in the form of degrees, that is, degrees are negative when the rotation is clockwise, while when there is a counterclockwise rotation, it will cause positive degrees.

There are different examples of rotation in this universe, i.e. spinning top and hands of a clock etc. But, the best example of rotation is the movement of the earth around its own axis. It rotates counterclockwise, from east to west.

Earth completes its single cycle around its axis in approximately 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4.09 seconds. It causes different time zones in different continents and countries on earth. During this movement, the areas of the Earth that are toward the sun will show the time of day, while the other half that is away from the sun will show night.

At the equator, the Earth’s rotation speed is approximately 1038 miles per hour. This speed decreases continuously toward the poles and reaches zero at the poles. The rotation of the earth also causes an effect that is the reason for a slight “wobble” because the planet rotates on its axis.

The rotation of the Earth causes effects

• tectonic movements
• The apparent movement of the stars and the sun.
• the depth of the ocean
• Provides the knowledge of directions.
• sense of time
• the shape of the planet
• Deviations of ocean currents and winds
• Coriolis effect
• The rotation of the earth also causes a bulge at the equator.
• Tides after regular intervals

The word ‘Revolution’ means a circular motion in which an object moves around any other object in a fixed path or orbit. So, it involves an external axis for its movement, that is, an axis outside the object. The distance an object traveled in one revolution around the circle is equal to its circumference. The time required to complete one revolution of a body is known as the period and is represented by T. The revolution of an object also changes its position.

There are also different examples of revolution in this universe, i.e. Merry goes around and around a curve on a bike, etc. but the best known example is the revolution of the earth around the sun. In addition to rotating on its own axis, the earth also revolves around the sun. A revolution takes a full year to complete.

It rotates counterclockwise completing its cycle in 365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes and 9.5 seconds. During this period of time, the earth covers a distance of 595 million miles around the sun.

The earth rotates in a path known as Earth’s orbit. It has an almost circular shape, but strictly speaking, it is not a circle. The earth shows a circular motion around the sun in an elliptical path. The average distance between the Earth and the sun is about 93 million miles, and this distance varies by 2 million miles that form a slightly oval path.

The earth revolves around the sun at a speed of 18 miles per second or 66,000 miles per hour. On the other hand, at the same time, the earth rotates once every twenty-four hours.

This revolution of the earth is responsible for causing the seasons to change. During the revolution, which hemisphere will be closer to the sun, will experience summer. On the other hand, the hemisphere, which is farthest from the sun, will face winter. When both hemispheres are the same distance from the sun, they will face autumn or fall.

Due to the elliptical path, our planet is farther or closer to the sun at different times, resulting in different seasons. Furthermore, it also causes the solstice and equinox and plays an important role in balancing the centripetal and centrifugal forces of the earth.

Key differences

1. The circular motion of an object around its own axis is known as rotation, while the circular motion of an object around any other object is known as revolution.
2. The rotation of an object takes place around an internal axis; on the other hand, in revolution, an object rotates around an external axis.
3. Rotating an item does not change its position. Conversely, the revolution of an object also causes a change in its position.
4. The rotation of the earth refers to its spin on its own axis. On the other hand, the revolution of the earth is its movement around the sun.
5. A single rotation of the earth is completed in a 24 hour period which causes the day and night cycle. On the other hand, a single revolution of the earth is completed in a year.
6. The rotation of the earth causes different time zones, while the revolution of the earth causes a change in seasons and weather in different regions of the world.
7. The Earth rotates around its own axis on the way from west to east in rotation. On the other hand, the direction of the revolution of the earth is counterclockwise.
8. The rotational speed of the Earth can be different at different points on the Earth, while the rotational speed of the Earth is almost the same at all points on the Earth.
9. At the equator of the earth, the speed of rotation is almost 100 mph. On the other hand, the speed of the revolution of the earth is incredible at 66000 mph.
10. The rotation of the earth causes and produces tides, winds, currents, and bulges at the earth’s equator. On the other hand, the revolution of the earth causes equinox and solstice and plays an important role in balancing the centripetal and centrifugal forces of the earth.
11. Rotation of the earth around its own axis that affects currents, tides and winds; conversely, the revolution of the earth only affects the tides.
12. The top and the hands of a clock are examples of rotation. On the other hand, merry-go-round and going around a curve on a bicycle are examples of revolution.

Conclusion

The above discussion summarizes that rotation and revolution are two types of circular motion. Rotation refers to the circular motion of a body around its internal axis, for example the rotation of the earth around its own axis. On the other hand, Revolution is the circular motion of an object around any other object, for example the motion of the earth around the sun.