<P> A day is a unit of time . In common usage , it is either an interval equal to 24 hours or daytime , the consecutive period of time during which the Sun is above the horizon . The period of time during which the Earth completes one rotation with respect to the Sun is called a solar day . Several definitions of this universal human concept are used according to context , need and convenience . In 1960 , the second was redefined in terms of the orbital motion of the Earth , and was designated the SI base unit of time . The unit of measurement `` day '' , redefined in 1960 as 86 400 SI seconds and symbolized d , is not an SI unit , but is accepted for use with SI . A civil day is usually 86 400 seconds , plus or minus a possible leap second in Coordinated Universal Time ( UTC ) , and occasionally plus or minus an hour in those locations that change from or to daylight saving time . The word day may also refer to a day of the week or to a calendar date , as in answer to the question , `` On which day ? '' The life patterns of humans and many other species are related to Earth 's solar day and the day - night cycle ( see circadian rhythms ) . </P>
<P> A day is a unit of time . In common usage , it is either an interval equal to 24 hours or daytime , the consecutive period of time during which the Sun is above the horizon . The period of time during which the Earth completes one rotation with respect to the Sun is called a solar day . Several definitions of this universal human concept are used according to context , need and convenience . In 1960 , the second was redefined in terms of the orbital motion of the Earth , and was designated the SI base unit of time . The unit of measurement `` day '' , redefined in 1960 as 86 400 SI seconds and symbolized d , is not an SI unit , but is accepted for use with SI . A civil day is usually 86 400 seconds , plus or minus a possible leap second in Coordinated Universal Time ( UTC ) , and occasionally plus or minus an hour in those locations that change from or to daylight saving time . The word day may also refer to a day of the week or to a calendar date , as in answer to the question , `` On which day ? '' The life patterns of humans and many other species are related to Earth 's solar day and the day - night cycle ( see circadian rhythms ) . </P>
how is the length of a day determined on earth
how is the length of a day determined on earth
period of time during which the Earth completes one rotation with respect to the Sun
period of time during which the Earth completes one rotation with respect to the Sun