Geography UGC NET

It is necessary to know both the latitude and longitude of a place in order to determine—

(A) Local time

(B) Altitude

(D) Location

The correct answer is (D) Location.

Let's explain all the options:

(A) Local time: Local time refers to the time observed in a specific place, taking into account the longitudinal position of that place. While latitude alone does not affect local time, longitude plays a crucial role. Each degree of longitude corresponds to a time difference of approximately four minutes. Therefore, to determine local time accurately, both latitude and longitude are necessary.

(B) Altitude: Altitude refers to the height or elevation of a place above sea level. While latitude and longitude provide information about a location's horizontal position on the Earth's surface, they do not directly relate to its altitude. Altitude is determined separately and typically requires measurement using specialized instruments.

(C) Standard time: Standard time refers to the time used within a specific time zone. Time zones are based on longitudinal divisions, with each zone covering approximately 15 degrees of longitude. However, knowing only the latitude and longitude of a place does not directly determine the standard time applicable to that location. Time zone boundaries often follow lines of longitude, but they are not strictly defined by them.

(D) Location: The correct answer is (D) Location. Both latitude and longitude are essential in determining the precise location of a place on the Earth's surface. Latitude provides the north-south coordinate, while longitude provides the east-west coordinate. By combining the latitude and longitude values, we can pinpoint a specific location on the Earth, including cities, landmarks, or geographic features.

In conclusion, while latitude and longitude are crucial in determining various aspects such as local time, standard time, and altitude, the primary purpose of knowing both latitude and longitude is to accurately determine the location of a place on the Earth's surface.

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