Through how many degrees of latitude will one pass if they travel from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn?
A. 66.5°
B. 90.0°
C. 23.5°
D. 47.0°
Answer (2)
The problem requires calculating the total degrees of latitude between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South).
Since the tropics are on opposite sides of the equator, add their latitudes.
Calculate the sum: 23.5° + 23.5° = 47.0° .
The total degrees of latitude passed is 47.0° .
Explanation
Problem Analysis The problem asks us to find the number of degrees of latitude one passes when traveling from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn. The Tropic of Cancer is at 23.5° North, and the Tropic of Capricorn is at 23.5° South. Since they are on opposite sides of the equator, we need to add their latitudes to find the total degrees of latitude between them.
Calculate Total Latitude To find the total degrees of latitude, we add the latitude of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn:
23.5° + 23.5° = 47.0°
Final Answer Therefore, one will pass through 47.0 degrees of latitude when traveling from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.
Examples
Understanding latitude is crucial in navigation and climate studies. For instance, knowing the degrees of latitude between two locations helps estimate travel distances and understand differences in climate zones. If you were planning a trip from a city at the Tropic of Cancer to one at the Tropic of Capricorn, knowing the 47 degrees of latitude difference helps you prepare for the climate and estimate the distance of your journey. This concept is also used in creating accurate maps and understanding global weather patterns.
The traveler will pass through 47.0 degrees of latitude when traveling from the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North) to the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° South). Therefore, the correct answer is 47.0° . This calculation involves adding the latitude of both tropics since they are on opposite sides of the equator.
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