Question

24c. which orbital factor typically changes on the longest timescale in this lesson?

precession (~26,000 years)
earths daily rotation (~24 hours)
eccentricity (~100,000 years)
tilt/obliquity (~41,000 years)

Explanation:

Compare the timescales of each option

• Precession: ~26,000 years
• Earth's daily rotation: ~24 hours
• Eccentricity: ~100,000 years
• Tilt/obliquity: ~41,000 years

Identify the longest timescale

• Comparing the durations: 100,000 years > 41,000 years > 26,000 years > 24 hours.
• Therefore, eccentricity has the longest cycle.

Answer:

• (A) Precession (~26,000 years)
• (B) Earth's daily rotation (~24 hours)</mcq-correct>
• (C) Eccentricity (~100,000 years) (Correct answer)

<mcq-option>(D) Tilt/obliquity (~41,000 years)