Keyword To Remember
- Globe – A small spherical model of the Earth that shows continents, oceans, and geographical features.
- Map – A flat drawing of the Earth or part of it, showing countries, cities, roads, rivers, etc.
- Axis – An imaginary line through the center of the Earth from the North Pole to the South Pole, around which the Earth rotates.
- North Pole – The fixed point at the top of the Earth’s axis; 90° North latitude.
- South Pole – The fixed point at the bottom of the Earth’s axis; 90° South latitude.
- Equator – An imaginary horizontal line around the middle of the Earth, dividing it into Northern and Southern Hemispheres; 0° latitude.
- Latitude – Imaginary horizontal lines that measure the angular distance north or south of the equator.
- Parallels – Another term for lines of latitude as they run parallel to each other.
- Longitude – Imaginary vertical lines that measure the angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
- Meridians – Another term for lines of longitude which meet at the poles.
- Prime Meridian – The 0° longitude line which passes through Greenwich, London.
- Hemisphere – Half of the Earth; either Northern, Southern, Eastern, or Western.
- Tropic of Cancer – A line of latitude located at 23½° North of the Equator.
- Tropic of Capricorn – A line of latitude located at 23½° South of the Equator.
- Arctic Circle – A line of latitude at 66½° North.
- Antarctic Circle – A line of latitude at 66½° South.
- Grid System – A system formed by the intersection of latitudes and longitudes used to locate any place on Earth.
- Time Zone – A region where the same standard time is used.
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – The time at the Prime Meridian (0° longitude); used as the base reference for time zones.
- Indian Standard Time (IST) – The time observed throughout India, based on 82°30′ E longitude.
- Standard Meridian – The longitude selected by a country to determine its standard time.
- Torrid Zone – The hottest zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
- Temperate Zone – The moderate climate zones between the Tropics and the Circles.
- Frigid Zone – The coldest climate zones near the poles, beyond the Arctic and Antarctic Circles.
- Subtended – Formed or caused (used in context of angles at the Earth’s center by latitude/longitude).
- Local Time – The time of a specific location determined by its position relative to the sun.
- International Date Line – An imaginary line at 180° longitude in the Pacific Ocean where the date changes.
- Sundial – An ancient instrument used to tell time using the shadow cast by the sun.
- Observatory – A building or place equipped for scientific observations, especially of celestial events.
- Circumference – The distance around a circle; the equator is the Earth’s longest circumference.
- Direction – The position or path along which something moves or faces (North, South, East, West).
- Reference Points – Landmarks or known features used to locate places.
- Vertical Lines – Lines that go up and down, like the meridians of longitude.
- Horizontal Lines – Lines that run side to side, like the parallels of latitude.
- Angle – A figure formed when two lines meet at a point; used to measure latitude and longitude.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- The equator does not pass through which one of the following continents?
(a) Europe
(b) South America
(c) Asia
(d) Africa
Answer – (a) Europe
- The heat zone lying between 23½° N and 66½° N is ̶
(a) Frigid Zone
(b) Torrid Zone
(c) Temperate Zone
(d) Time Zone
Answer – (c) Temperate Zone
- The longest circle drawn midway between two poles is ̶
(a) The Equator
(b) Prime Meridian
(c) The Tropic of Cancer
(d) The Tropic of Capricorn
Answer – (a) The Equator
- When the time is 12 noon at 0° longitude, the time at 75° E longitude will be ̶
(a) 4 p.m.
(b) 5 p.m.
(c) 3 p.m.
(d) 11 p.m.
Answer – (b) 5 p.m.
- Which one of the following is a correct statement about longitudes?
(a) Their length is the longest at the poles.
(b) Their length is the shortest at the equator.
(c) All of them have equal lengths.
(d) Their length reduces towards the poles.
Answer – (c) All of them have equal lengths.
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The earth rotates from ________________ to ________________ .
Answer – west, east
- All the places on the same meridian will have the ________________ local time.
Answer – same
- The distance between the two lines of latitudes is always ________________ .
Answer – equal
- The ________________are the imaginary lines that connect the north and south poles.
Answer – longitudes
- Each degree of longitude corresponds to a time difference of ______________ minutes.
Answer – 5
C. Match the following:
- Two equal division of earth a. 23° 30’ N
- Latitudes are measured in b. Mirzapur
- Tropic of Cancer c. Hemispheres
- British Royal Observatory d. Degrees
- The place through which Standard Meridian of India passes e. Greenwich
Answer –
Column A | Column B | Answer |
1. Two equal division of earth | c. Hemispheres | 1 → c |
2. Latitudes are measured in | d. Degrees | 2 → d |
3. Tropic of Cancer | a. 23° 30’ N | 3 → a |
4. British Royal Observatory | e. Greenwich | 4 → e |
5. Standard Meridian of India passes | b. Mirzapur | 5 → b |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Which two basic points on the earth serve as the reference points?
Answer – The North Pole and the South Pole.
- Mention the latitudinal location of the heat zones of the earth.
Answer – Torrid Zone: Between 23½° N and 23½° S
Temperate Zones: Between 23½° N and 66½° N & between 23½° S and 66½° S
Frigid Zones: Between 66½° N and the North Pole & between 66½° S and the South Pole
- Why does the Torrid zone have the maximum temperature?
Answer – Because the sun’s rays fall directly overhead in this zone.
- What is the significance of Greenwich Mean Time?
Answer – It is the base reference time from which all world time zones are calculated.
- Why is the Standard Meridian selected by a country a multiple of 7.5°?
Answer – Because 15° corresponds to 1 hour, so 7.5° gives a 30-minute time difference, making calculation easier.
E. Answer the following questions.
- State three main characteristics of parallels of latitudes.
Answer – They run parallel to the Equator.
They are measured in degrees north or south of the Equator.
They decrease in length as we move from the Equator to the poles.
- Why do we use standard time? Explain with an example from India.
Answer – Standard time ensures uniformity of time across a country. India uses IST based on 82°30′ E so that everyone follows the same time across the nation.
- Which heat zone is most suitable for us to live and why?
Answer – The Temperate Zone, because it has a moderate climate – not too hot and not too cold.
- Why is the time difference between each meridian of longitude 4 minutes? Explain.
Answer – Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, so 360 ÷ 24 = 15° per hour or 1° every 4 minutes.
- Distinguish between Equator and Prime Meridian.
Answer – Equator is a line of latitude at 0° dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Prime Meridian is a line of longitude at 0° dividing the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Value Based Question
Some countries have non-standard time zones, usually with a 30-minute offset (a few have a 45-minute offset).
Time zones’ boundaries are irregular mainly because of political factors, and so this has been a subject of criticism. Time zones can be determined by how countries’ and states’ borders are positioned. Individual zone boundaries are not straight because they are adjusted for the convenience and desires of local population. Moreover, some geographically large countries, such as India and China, use only one time zone where as other large countries don’t do the same.
How does one time zone in a country, like India, help towards unity in diversity?
Answer – Having one standard time in a country like India helps maintain consistency in daily schedules, transportation, business, education, and communication. It unites people from different states and time zones, making coordination easier despite cultural and geographical differences.
Map Skill
On the outline map of the world, show
(a) Equator
Answer – 0° Latitude
(b) Tropic of Cancer
Answer – 23½° N
(c) Tropic of Capricorn
Answer – 23½° S
(d) Arctic Circle
Answer – 66½° N
(e) Antarctic Circle
Answer – 66½° S
(f) Prime Meridian
Answer – 0° Longitude
Something To Do
- Study the atlas and find out the location of the following cities with reference to latitudes and longitudes.
(a) Delhi
Answer – Approx. 28.6° N, 77.2° E
(b) London
Answer – Approx. 51.5° N, 0.1° W
(c) Tokyo
Answer – Approx. 35.6° N, 139.6° E
(d) Singapore
Answer – Approx. 1.3° N, 103.8° E
(e) Cairo
Answer – Approx. 30.0° N, 31.2° E
- In your notebook, draw the diagram of Heat Zones showing the values of different latitudes.
Answer – Diagram should include:
Equator at 0°
Tropic of Cancer at 23½° N
Tropic of Capricorn at 23½° S
Arctic Circle at 66½° N
Antarctic Circle at 66½° S
Label the Torrid Zone, Temperate Zones, and Frigid Zones.
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the blanks
- The Prime Meridian passes through ____________.
Answer: Greenwich, London - The Southern Hemisphere lies __________ the Equator.
Answer: south of - Latitude lines are also called ____________.
Answer: parallels - Longitude lines are called ____________.
Answer: meridians - The ____________ separates the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Answer: Prime Meridian - The angle made by the Earth’s axis with the plane of the ecliptic is approximately ____________.
Answer: 23½° - The ____________ line marks the boundary of the area where the sun can be seen at midnight.
Answer: Arctic Circle - The longest line of latitude is the ____________.
Answer: Equator - The time at any place depends on the ____________ it lies on.
Answer: longitude - The Indian Standard Time is based on the ____________ longitude.
Answer: 82° 30’ E
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following lines passes through India?
(a) Equator
(b) Tropic of Cancer
(c) Arctic Circle
(d) Antarctic Circle
Answer: (b) Tropic of Cancer - How many degrees are there between the North Pole and the Equator?
(a) 45°
(b) 60°
(c) 90°
(d) 180°
Answer: (c) 90° - The International Date Line lies approximately on which longitude?
(a) 0°
(b) 90° E
(c) 180°
(d) 23½° S
Answer: (c) 180° - The line of latitude that marks the boundary of the cold polar regions is called:
(a) Tropic of Capricorn
(b) Antarctic Circle
(c) Tropic of Cancer
(d) Equator
Answer: (b) Antarctic Circle - The time difference between two adjacent longitudes is:
(a) 1 hour
(b) 15 minutes
(c) 4 minutes
(d) 30 minutes
Answer: (c) 4 minutes - Which zone lies between the Tropic of Cancer and Arctic Circle?
(a) Torrid Zone
(b) Temperate Zone
(c) Frigid Zone
(d) Tropical Zone
Answer: (b) Temperate Zone
True or False
- The Earth rotates from east to west.
Answer: False - The Prime Meridian is at 0° longitude.
Answer: True - The Equator divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Answer: True - Lines of longitude are parallel to each other.
Answer: False - Indian Standard Time is based on 82°30′ E longitude.
Answer: True - The Arctic Circle lies at 66½° South latitude.
Answer: False - All places on the same latitude have the same time.
Answer: False - The longest line of longitude is the Prime Meridian.
Answer: False (all longitudes are equal in length)
Short Questions and Answers
- What are the reference points used to locate places on Earth?
Answer: The North Pole and South Pole are used as basic reference points. - What is the significance of the Equator?
Answer: The Equator divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres and is the longest line of latitude. - Why are latitudes called parallels?
Answer: Because they run parallel to each other and the Equator. - What does the term ‘Standard Time’ mean?
Answer: It is the uniform time adopted for the entire country based on a chosen standard meridian. - Why do time zones exist?
Answer: Because Earth rotates, different parts experience noon at different times, so time zones help standardize time within regions. - What is the difference between latitude and longitude?
Answer: Latitude measures angular distance north or south of the Equator; longitude measures east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Competency Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: All longitudes are of equal length.
Reason: Longitudes are semi-circles joining the poles.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) Assertion is true, reason is false.
(d) Both assertion and reason are false.
Answer: (a) - Assertion: The Equator is the longest line of latitude.
Reason: It divides the Earth into two equal halves.
(a) Both true, reason correct
(b) Both true, reason wrong
(c) Assertion true, reason false
(d) Both false
Answer: (a) - Assertion: Indian Standard Time is based on 82°30′ E longitude.
Reason: This meridian passes through the middle of India.
(a) Both true, reason correct
(b) Both true, reason incorrect
(c) Assertion true, reason false
(d) Both false
Answer: (a) - Assertion: Time difference between two longitudes is 4 minutes.
Reason: Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours.
(a) Both true, reason correct
(b) Both true, reason incorrect
(c) Assertion true, reason false
(d) Both false
Answer: (a)
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions
- Explain why the length of the day and night varies with latitude.
Answer: Due to Earth’s tilted axis, places at higher latitudes experience longer days in summer and shorter in winter because of the sun’s varying angle. - If India adopted two time zones instead of one, what could be the advantages and disadvantages?
Answer: Advantages: More accurate local time; Disadvantages: Complexity in communication and transport schedules. - Why can’t the Earth have a time system based only on longitude without considering latitude?
Answer: Because time depends on Earth’s rotation, which affects longitude, while latitude affects climate and day length but not time calculation. - How do lines of latitude influence the climate of a region?
Answer: Regions near the Equator (low latitudes) receive more direct sunlight and are hotter; higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight and are cooler.
Long Questions (40-50 words limit)
- Describe the importance of the Equator in locating places on Earth.
Answer: The Equator is the starting point for measuring latitude. It divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, serving as a reference to determine how far north or south a place is, crucial for navigation and climate studies. - Explain how longitude helps in determining local time at a place.
Answer: Longitude determines local time because Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, so every 15° change in longitude results in a 1-hour time difference. Places on the same longitude have the same local time. - What are heat zones and how are they formed?
Answer: Heat zones are divisions of Earth based on solar radiation received. The Torrid Zone is hot due to direct sun rays, Temperate Zones have moderate temperatures, and Frigid Zones are cold due to slanting sun rays. - Why is Greenwich Mean Time important in global communication and travel?
Answer: GMT is the standard time reference for the world, used to coordinate international flights, shipping, and communications, ensuring synchronization across different time zones.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The imaginary circle dividing the Earth into two halves is called the __________.
Answer: Equator - The North Pole is located at __________° N latitude.
Answer: 90 - The lines of latitude are also known as __________ of latitudes.
Answer: Parallels - The __________ Meridian is the 0° longitude passing through Greenwich, London.
Answer: Prime - The Tropic of Cancer is located at __________° N.
Answer: 23½ - The __________ Zone receives the maximum heat from the sun.
Answer: Torrid - The network of latitudes and longitudes is called a __________.
Answer: Grid - The Indian Standard Time is based on the __________° E longitude.
Answer: 82½ - The __________ Circle is located at 66½° S latitude.
Answer: Antarctic - The Earth completes one rotation in __________ hours.
Answer: 24 - The __________ Hemisphere lies to the east of the Prime Meridian.
Answer: Eastern - Each degree of latitude is divided into __________ minutes.
Answer: 60 - The __________ Zone is the coldest due to slanting sun rays.
Answer: Frigid - The International Date Line is located at __________° longitude.
Answer: 180 - The __________ Mean Time is 5½ hours behind Indian Standard Time.
Answer: Greenwich
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What is the latitude of the Equator?
a) 90° N
b) 0°
c) 23½° S
d) 66½° N
Answer: b) 0° - Which line of latitude marks the northern boundary of the Torrid Zone?
a) Tropic of Capricorn
b) Arctic Circle
c) Tropic of Cancer
d) Antarctic Circle
Answer: c) Tropic of Cancer - What are the lines of longitude also called?
a) Parallels
b) Meridians
c) Equators
d) Grids
Answer: b) Meridians - Which zone lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle?
a) Torrid Zone
b) North Temperate Zone
c) Frigid Zone
d) South Temperate Zone
Answer: b) North Temperate Zone - What is the Prime Meridian’s longitude?
a) 180°
b) 90° E
c) 0°
d) 82½° E
Answer: c) 0° - How many longitudes are there in total on the Earth?
a) 180
b) 360
c) 90
d) 270
Answer: b) 360 - What is the Indian Standard Time difference from Greenwich Mean Time?
a) 4 hours ahead
b) 5½ hours ahead
c) 6 hours behind
d) 3½ hours behind
Answer: b) 5½ hours ahead - Which line of latitude is located at 66½° N?
a) Tropic of Cancer
b) Arctic Circle
c) Antarctic Circle
d) Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: b) Arctic Circle - What is the length of the Equator approximately?
a) 40,075.16 km
b) 30,000 km
c) 50,000 km
d) 20,000 km
Answer: a) 40,075.16 km - How long does it take for one longitude to pass before the sun?
a) 2 minutes
b) 4 minutes
c) 6 minutes
d) 8 minutes
Answer: b) 4 minutes
True/False Questions and Answers
- The Equator divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Answer: True - All lines of latitude are equal in length.
Answer: False (Their length decreases away from the Equator.) - The Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich, London.
Answer: True - The Frigid Zone receives direct sun rays throughout the year.
Answer: False (It receives slanting rays, making it the coldest.) - The Indian Standard Time is based on 90° E longitude.
Answer: False (It is based on 82½° E longitude.) - The Tropic of Capricorn is located in the Northern Hemisphere.
Answer: False (It is in the Southern Hemisphere.) - The grid system helps locate places using latitudes and longitudes.
Answer: True - All countries use Greenwich Mean Time as their standard time.
Answer: False (Countries use their own standard time.) - The Torrid Zone is the hottest due to direct sun rays.
Answer: True - The Earth rotates from east to west.
Answer: False (It rotates from west to east.)
Short Questions and Answers
- What is the Equator?
Answer: The Equator is an imaginary circle around the Earth, midway between the North and South Poles, at 0° latitude. - What are parallels of latitude?
Answer: Parallels of latitude are horizontal lines on a globe or map, parallel to the Equator, measuring angular distance north or south. - What is the Prime Meridian?
Answer: The Prime Meridian is the 0° longitude line passing through Greenwich, London, used as a reference for numbering longitudes. - Name one heat zone of the Earth.
Answer: Torrid Zone - What is the grid system?
Answer: The grid system is a network of intersecting latitude and longitude lines used to locate places on the Earth. - What is Indian Standard Time based on?
Answer: Indian Standard Time is based on the local time of the 82½° E longitude near Mirzapur. - What are meridians of longitude?
Answer: Meridians of longitude are imaginary vertical lines converging at the poles, measuring angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. - Why is the Torrid Zone the hottest?
Answer: The Torrid Zone is hottest because it receives direct sun rays, especially near the Equator, maximizing heat. - What is the Tropic of Cancer?
Answer: The Tropic of Cancer is a latitude line at 23½° N, marking the northern boundary of the Torrid Zone. - How does longitude affect local time?
Answer: Local time varies with longitude; places east of a meridian are ahead, and west are behind, by 4 minutes per degree.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: The Equator is the longest line of latitude.
Reason: It is located midway between the poles, encircling the Earth’s circumference of about 40,075.16 km.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Frigid Zone is the coldest part of the Earth.
Reason: The sun’s rays are slanting in this zone, reducing heat received.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: India uses one standard time despite spanning 30° longitudes.
Reason: The 82½° E longitude is chosen as the Standard Meridian for uniformity.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason supports the assertion. - Assertion: The grid system helps locate places accurately.
Reason: It uses intersecting lines of latitude and longitude to pinpoint locations.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Torrid Zone receives maximum heat from the sun.
Reason: The sun’s rays are nearly vertical in this zone, especially at the Equator.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Why is a standard time necessary for a country like India?
Answer: India spans 30° longitudes, causing local time variations. A standard time, based on 82½° E, ensures uniformity for railway schedules, flights, and communication, avoiding confusion and facilitating efficient national coordination. - How does the grid system enhance the accuracy of locating places?
Answer: The grid system uses intersecting latitude and longitude lines to provide precise coordinates for any place. This allows accurate location identification, like Nasik at 20°N, 74°E, aiding navigation and mapping globally. - Why do heat zones vary across the Earth’s surface?
Answer: Heat zones vary due to the angle of the sun’s rays. The Torrid Zone gets direct rays, making it hottest; Temperate Zones receive slanting rays, causing moderate climate; Frigid Zones get the most slanted rays, remaining coldest. - How does the Earth’s rotation affect local time differences?
Answer: The Earth’s west-to-east rotation causes places east of a meridian to experience sunrise earlier, making their local time ahead. Each 15° longitude difference equals one hour, with 4 minutes per degree, creating time variations globally. - Why was the Prime Meridian chosen at Greenwich?
Answer: The Prime Meridian was chosen at Greenwich due to its established observatory and Britain’s historical influence in navigation and mapping. It became a global standard for numbering longitudes, ensuring consistency in time and location references worldwide.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Explain the significance of the Equator in locating places on Earth.
Answer: The Equator, at 0° latitude, divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, serving as a primary reference for measuring latitudes. It helps locate places accurately using the grid system, being the longest latitude line, roughly 40,075.16 km in circumference. - How do latitudes and longitudes help in locating places?
Answer: Latitudes and longitudes form a grid system, with latitudes measuring north-south distances from the Equator and longitudes east-west from the Prime Meridian. Their intersection, like 20°N, 74°E for Nasik, pinpoints any location accurately on Earth’s surface. - Describe the characteristics of the Torrid Zone.
Answer: The Torrid Zone, between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn, receives nearly vertical sun rays, making it the hottest zone. The Equator gets overhead sun twice yearly, ensuring maximum heat, while other areas experience it once annually. - Why is Indian Standard Time based on 82½° E longitude?
Answer: India spans 30° longitudes, causing time variations. The 82½° E longitude, near Mirzapur, was chosen as the Standard Meridian to ensure uniform time nationwide, avoiding confusion in schedules and facilitating efficient communication and transport. - How do heat zones affect the Earth’s climate?
Answer: Heat zones, determined by sun ray angles, create distinct climates. The Torrid Zone is hottest with direct rays, Temperate Zones have moderate temperatures with slanting rays, and Frigid Zones are coldest due to highly slanted rays, influencing global weather patterns.