2. latitude and longitude

Question 1

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the equator?

1 It divides the Earth into two equal hemispheres.
2 It is the only latitude that represents 0° and is the largest circle on the globe.
3 The equator passes through more continents than the Tropic of Cancer.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The equator divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Statement 2 is correct: The equator is the only latitude at 0° and the largest latitude circle.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The Tropic of Cancer passes through more continents than the equator (Asia, Africa, North America vs. Africa, South America, and Asia for the equator).

Question 2

Latitude Location it Passes Through
1. 20° N Chandrapur, India
2. 20° S Belo Horizonte, Brazil
3. 90° N Arctic Circle
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 2

Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

Pair 1 is correct: Chandrapur in India is situated at 20° N latitude.
Pair 2 is correct: Belo Horizonte in Brazil lies at 20° S latitude.
Pair 3 is incorrect: The Arctic Circle is at 66.5° N, not 90° N (which marks the North Pole).

Question 3

With reference to the Earth’s latitude system, consider the following statements:

The value of latitude decreases as we move from the equator to the poles.
Latitude is measured in degrees ranging from 0° to 180°.
The Northern Hemisphere has all parallels of latitude marked as ‘N.’
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1 and 3 only

Answer 3

Answer: 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is in correct: Latitude increases as we move away from the equator, where it is 0°, to 90° at the poles.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Latitude ranges from 0° to 90°, not 180°.
Statement 3 is correct: Latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere are marked with ‘N.’

Question 4

Which of the following features can be correctly associated with a globe?

1 It can be rotated around an axis similar to the Earth’s rotation.
2 It shows countries, continents, and oceans in their correct shapes and sizes.
3 It represents imaginary lines such as the equator and the axis as physical features.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 4

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: A globe rotates around an axis like Earth.
Statement 2 is correct: A globe accurately depicts continents, countries, and oceans.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The axis and equator are imaginary, not physical, features on Earth

Question 5

Why does the size of parallels of latitude decrease as one moves away from the equator?
a) The Earth’s axis is tilted.
b) The Earth’s shape is a perfect sphere.
c) The curvature of the Earth causes the circumference to reduce toward the poles.
d) The equator represents a fixed reference point for all other latitudes.

Answer 5

Answer: c) The curvature of the Earth causes the circumference to reduce toward the poles.
Explanation:
As the Earth is not a perfect sphere and bulges slightly at the equator, the circumference decreases toward the poles, causing the size of parallels of latitude to shrink.

Question 6

Which of the following is/are correct about latitude?

1 Latitude measures the angular distance of a point from the equator.
2 The 23.5°S parallel of latitude is known as the Tropic of Capricorn.
3 The Arctic Circle lies at 66.5°N latitude.
Options:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) 2 and 3 only

Answer 6

Answer:
c) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:

Latitude measures the angular distance of a point from the equator, making statement 1 correct.
The Tropic of Capricorn lies at 23.5°S, so statement 2 is also correct.
The Arctic Circle is located at 66.5°N latitude, which makes statement 3 correct.

Question 6

Which of the following features distinguish latitude from longitude?

1 Latitude lines run parallel to each other, while longitude lines converge at the poles.
2 Latitude is measured from 0° to 90°, but longitude is measured from 0° to 360°.
3 Latitude determines climate zones, whereas longitude determines time zones.
Options:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 6

Answer:
a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Latitude lines run parallel to each other, while longitude lines converge at the poles, so statement 1 is correct.
Latitude is measured from 0° to 90°, but longitude is measured from 0° to 180° (not 360°), making statement 2 incorrect.
Latitude influences climate zones, while longitude influences time zones, so statement 3 is correct.

Question 7

Arrange the following parallels of latitude in the correct sequence from north to south:

1 Tropic of Capricorn
2 Arctic Circle
3 Tropic of Cancer
4 Antarctic Circle
Options:
a) 2, 3, 1, 4
b) 3, 2, 1, 4
c) 2, 1, 3, 4
d) 3, 4, 1, 2

Answer 7

Answer:
a) 2, 3, 1, 4
Explanation:

From north to south: Arctic Circle (66.5°N), Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S), and Antarctic Circle (66.5°S).

Question 8

Which of the following parallels of latitude are great circles?

1 The equator
2 The Tropic of Cancer
3 The Tropic of Capricorn
Options:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 1, 2, and 3
d) None of the above

Answer 8

Answer:
a) 1 only
Explanation:

The equator is the only parallel of latitude that forms a great circle. Tropics and other parallels do not divide the Earth into two equal halves and hence are not great circles.

Question 9

Consider the following characteristics of heat zones on Earth:

1 The sun’s rays are perpendicular at least once a year in the Torrid Zone.
2 The Temperate Zone experiences extreme temperatures throughout the year.
3 The Frigid Zone is marked by slanting rays of the sun, leading to extremely cold conditions.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Options:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 9

Answer:
a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

In the Torrid Zone, the sun is overhead at least once a year, so statement 1 is correct.
The Temperate Zone experiences moderate temperatures, not extremes, making statement 2 incorrect.
The Frigid Zone has slanting rays and very cold conditions, making statement 3 correct.

Question 10

Which of the following latitudinal belts correspond to the Frigid Zones?

1 From the Arctic Circle (66.5°N) to the North Pole (90°N)
2 From the Antarctic Circle (66.5°S) to the South Pole (90°S)
3 Between the Tropics (23.5°N and 23.5°S)
Options:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 10

Answer:
b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

The Frigid Zones lie between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole (in the Northern Hemisphere) and between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole (in the Southern Hemisphere).
The area between the Tropics is the Torrid Zone, not the Frigid Zone.

Question 11

Which of the following correctly explains the reason for the moderate temperatures in the Temperate Zones?

Options:
a) The mid-day sun is overhead throughout the year.
b) The sun’s rays strike the surface at an angle.
c) The region receives slanting rays for six months and vertical rays for six months.
d) The region is completely shielded from solar radiation due to its latitude.

Answer 11

Answer:
b) The sun’s rays strike the surface at an angle.
Explanation:

In the Temperate Zones, the sun’s rays are never perpendicular but strike at an angle, resulting in moderate temperatures throughout the year.

Question 12

Arrange the following zones in increasing order of the intensity of solar radiation received:

1 Temperate Zone
2 Torrid Zone
3 Frigid Zone
Options:
a) 3, 1, 2
b) 3, 2, 1
c) 2, 1, 3
d) 1, 3, 2

Answer 12

Answer:
a) 3, 1, 2
Explanation:

The Frigid Zone receives the least solar radiation due to slanting rays.
The Temperate Zone receives moderate radiation.
The Torrid Zone receives the most intense radiation because the sun is overhead at least once a year.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is true about the Torrid Zone?

1 It lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
2 It experiences uniform temperatures throughout the year.
3 It includes the equator, where the sun is overhead twice a year.
Options:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 13

Answer:
c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

The Torrid Zone lies between the Tropics, so statement 1 is correct.
It does not experience uniform temperatures but varies with seasons and geographical features, making statement 2 incorrect.
The equator experiences the overhead sun twice a year, making statement 3 correct.

Question 14

Consider the following statements regarding longitudes:

1 All meridians of longitude are semi-circles and meet at the poles.
2 The Prime Meridian divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
3 The 180° meridian is the same line for both 180° E and 180° W longitudes.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Options:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 14

Answer:
a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Longitudes are semi-circles that converge at the poles.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Prime Meridian divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres, not Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Statement 3 is correct: The 180° meridian is the same line, whether measured as 180° E or 180° W.

Question 15

Which of the following locations has the same longitude as the Greenwich Prime Meridian?

Options:
a) 0° N, 90° E
b) 45° N, 0°
c) 0° S, 180° W
d) 60° N, 90° W

Answer 15

Answer:
b) 45° N, 0°
Explanation:

The Greenwich Prime Meridian is located at 0° longitude, regardless of latitude. Option b correctly identifies this.

Question 15

If a place is located at 60° N latitude and 30° W longitude, in which hemisphere(s) does it lie?

Options:
a) Northern Hemisphere only
b) Western Hemisphere only
c) Both Northern and Western Hemispheres
d) Neither Northern nor Western Hemispheres

Answer 15

Answer:
c) Both Northern and Western Hemispheres
Explanation:

The location lies north of the equator (Northern Hemisphere) and west of the Prime Meridian (Western Hemisphere).

Question 16

With reference to the system of longitudes, consider the following statements:

1 The distance between two longitudes is maximum at the equator and decreases towards the poles.
2 Longitudes are used to determine time zones globally.
3 All countries use the Prime Meridian as a reference to calculate local time.
Which of the above statements are correct?

Options:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 16

Answer:
a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The distance between longitudes is greatest at the equator and diminishes as they converge at the poles.
Statement 2 is correct: Time zones are based on longitudes.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Countries often adjust their local time zones for practical purposes, and not all strictly follow the Prime Meridian.

Question 17

Match the following:

Longitude Description
1 0° Longitude a) International Date Line
2 180° Longitude b) Reference for global time
3 Prime Meridian c) Divides the Earth into Eastern and Western
Hemispheres
Options:

a) 0° Longitude - b; 180° Longitude - a; Prime Meridian - c
b) 0° Longitude - c; 180° Longitude - b; Prime Meridian - a
c) 0° Longitude - b; 180° Longitude - c; Prime Meridian - a
d) 0° Longitude - c; 180° Longitude - a; Prime Meridian - b

Answer 17

Answer:
d) 0° Longitude - c; 180° Longitude - a; Prime Meridian - b
Explanation:

0° Longitude is the Prime Meridian, which divides Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
180° Longitude is the International Date Line.
The Prime Meridian serves as the reference for global time (GMT).

Question 17

Assertion (A): Longitudes are used to calculate local time across the globe.
Reason (R): Each 15° longitude represents a one-hour difference in local time.

Options:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

.

Answer 17

Answer:
a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:

The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, resulting in a one-hour difference for every 15° longitude. This forms the basis of global time calculation

Question 18

With reference to the Earth’s longitude system, consider the following statements:

All meridians of longitude are of equal length.
The Prime Meridian divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
The distance between longitudes remains constant at all latitudes.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 18

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: All meridians are semi-circles and of equal length.
Statement 2 is correct: The Prime Meridian divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The distance between longitudes decreases as we move towards the poles and becomes zero at the poles

Question 19

Consider the following pairs of reference lines and their characteristics:

1 Prime Meridian: Passes through the British Royal Observatory at Greenwich
2 180° Meridian: Divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
3 Longitude: Measured eastward or westward from the Prime Meridian
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 19

Answer: a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Pair 1 is correct: The Prime Meridian is the reference line for longitudes and passes through Greenwich.
Pair 2 is incorrect: The 180° Meridian divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres, not Northern and Southern.
Pair 3 is correct: Longitude is measured eastward or westward from the Prime Meridian.Answer: a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Pair 1 is correct: The Prime Meridian is the reference line for longitudes and passes through Greenwich.
Pair 2 is incorrect: The 180° Meridian divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres, not Northern and Southern.
Pair 3 is correct: Longitude is measured eastward or westward from the Prime Meridian.

Question 20

Which of the following statements accurately describe the concept of longitudes?

1 Meridians converge at the equator and diverge at the poles.
2 The longitude of a place is indicated as either East (E) or West (W) from the Prime Meridian.
3 The Prime Meridian and 180° Meridian together form a great circle.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 2 only
.

Answer 20

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Meridians converge at the poles and diverge at the equator.
Statement 2 is correct: Longitude is expressed as East or West from the Prime Meridian.
Statement 3 is correct: The Prime Meridian and 180° Meridian together form a great circle, dividing the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres

Question 20

Why is it significant that 180° E and 180° W longitudes are the same line on the globe?
a) To maintain symmetry in hemispheric division
b) To simplify the system of calculating time zones
c) Because all longitudes meet at the poles
d) To create a natural reference for the International Date Line

Answer 20

Answer: d) To create a natural reference for the International Date Line
Explanation:

The 180° longitude serves as a basis for the International Date Line, which is critical for maintaining a global timekeeping system.

Question 21

With reference to the Earth’s time zones, consider the following statements:

The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, resulting in a time difference of 1° every 4 minutes.
When it is 12 noon at Greenwich (Prime Meridian), it is midnight at the 180° longitude.
All places along a given meridian of longitude have the same standard time.
Which of the above statements are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 21

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, making a time difference of 1° in 4 minutes.
Statement 2 is correct: At 180° longitude, the time difference from the Prime Meridian is 12 hours, making it midnight when it is 12 noon at Greenwich.
Statement 3 is incorrect: All places along a given meridian have the same local time, not standard time.

Question 21

Which of the following statements best explains why India has a single standard time?
a) India’s longitudinal extent is not significant enough to require multiple time zones.
b) A single standard time simplifies administrative, economic, and logistical operations.
c) IST corresponds exactly to the time at 82°30’ E, which passes through the geographical center of India.
d) A single time zone ensures synchronization with GMT for international communication.

Answer 21

Answer: b) A single standard time simplifies administrative, economic, and logistical operations.
Explanation:

While India has a significant longitudinal extent (approx. 30°), adopting IST based on 82°30’ E simplifies train schedules, business operations, and governance.

Question 22

Consider the following pairs of countries and their respective standard time zones:

Russia: 11 time zones
United States: 4 time zones
India: 1 time zone
Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 22

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Pair 1 is correct: Russia has 11 time zones due to its vast longitudinal extent.
Pair 2 is incorrect: The United States has 6 standard time zones.
Pair 3 is correct: India uses a single standard time zone based on IST (82°30’ E).

Question 23

Which of the following explains the time difference between India (IST) and GMT?
a) India is 82°30’ east of the Prime Meridian, resulting in a 5-hour and 30-minute difference.
b) India’s location in the Torrid Zone adds an additional time correction to GMT.
c) India’s longitudinal range necessitates an average of GMT and local times.
d) The rotation of the Earth causes IST to lag GMT by 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Answer 23

Answer: a) India is 82°30’ east of the Prime Meridian, resulting in a 5-hour and 30-minute difference.
Explanation:

Every degree eastward adds 4 minutes. At 82°30’ E, the time difference is
82.5×4=330
82.5×4=330 minutes or 5 hours and 30 minutes.