Question

scientists believe there are several basic requirements needed for life to exist on a planet. these include the presence of liquid water and a source of energy. what characteristic of earth allows water to exist as a liquid?

• the tilt of the planet on its axis
• the rotation of the planet on its axis
• the orbit of the planet around the sun
• the distance between the planet and the sun

Explanation:

To determine what characteristic of Earth allows water to exist as a liquid, we analyze each option:

• The tilt of the planet on its axis affects seasons, not directly liquid water existence.
• The rotation of the planet on its axis affects day - night cycles and weather patterns, not the state of water.
• The orbit of the planet around the Sun (its path) doesn't directly determine water's liquid state.
• The distance between the planet (Earth) and the Sun (the star) determines the temperature range. Earth's distance from the Sun is in the "habitable zone" where temperatures are suitable for water to be liquid (not too hot to boil, not too cold to freeze).

Answer:

the distance between the planet and the Sun (the option "the distance between the planet and the Sun" among the given choices)