1. Distinguish between latitudes and longitudes. 2. Define the earth grid with an example. 3. Distinguish between local time and standard time. Illustrate your answer with an example. 4. Explain the International Date Line. Why is the International Date Line fixed by countries?
Answer (1)
Distinguish between latitudes and longitudes:
Latitudes are horizontal lines that measure the distance north or south of the Equator. They are parallel lines, meaning they run east-west and never meet. Latitude is measured in degrees, with the Equator at 0° and the poles at 90° north or south.
Longitudes are vertical lines that measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. Unlike latitudes, they converge at the poles. Longitude is also measured in degrees, with the Prime Meridian at 0°.
Define the earth grid with an example:
The Earth grid is a network formed by the intersecting lines of latitude and longitude. It helps in pinpointing the exact position of any place on Earth. For example, New York City is located at approximately 40.7128° N latitude and 74.0060° W longitude.
Distinguish between local time and standard time. Illustrate your answer with an example:
Local time is the time observed based on the position of the sun in the sky, which can differ from one location to another even within the same time zone. Standard time is the uniform time established for a region by law or custom, usually based on the mean solar time at a given meridian.
For example, if you are in Los Angeles, the local time is based on the Pacific Standard Time (PST) time zone, which is 8 hours behind UTC. If you travel east to Phoenix, even though it generally observes the same time as Los Angeles, Arizona doesn't observe daylight saving time, so the local time might differ depending on the time of year.
Explain the International Date Line. Why is the International Date Line fixed by countries?
The International Date Line is an imaginary line roughly along the 180° longitude, opposite the Prime Meridian. Crossing this line changes the calendar date; you gain a day when traveling west and lose a day traveling east.
The International Date Line isn't perfectly straight and is fixed by countries to accommodate political and practical reasons. For instance, it bends around some territories and islands to align with local timekeeping practices, so residents of certain areas have consistent dates and times relative to nearby lands.
