# Describe how the tilt of the Earth's axis and the Earth's orbit around the Sun together cause the seasons experienced in the northern hemisphere.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 6.1 Earth and the Solar System · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The Earth's axis is tilted (relative to its orbital plane / at an angle)
2. When the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more sunlight / has longer daylight hours, causing summer (or spring)
3. When the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it receives less sunlight / has fewer daylight hours than hours of darkness, causing winter (or autumn)
4. The two hemispheres experience opposite seasons at the same time / whilst one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun the other is tilted away

## Key terms

- [axis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/axis)
- [orbit](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/orbit)
- [hemisphere](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hemisphere)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-tilt-of-the-b245a0a1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.