Astronomy quiz question: rotation

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Earth's __________ causes the stars to move across the celestial sphere over several hours, as seen by an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA.
(A) rotation.
(B) revolution.
(C) precession.
(D) tilt.

Correct answer: (A)

Earth rotation on its axis causes the stars move across the sky, taking approximately 24 hours (23.93447 hours) to return to the same location.

Section 70158
(A) : 39 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 2 students

"Success level": 89% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.25