TEST OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTION (a) Highlight four characteristics each of the following: (i) Time Zone (ii) International Dateline. (b) lf two towns A...

Answer Details

(a)

(i) Characteristics of a Time Zone:

1. Geographical Division: Time zones are geographical divisions that are used to organize the world into 24 equal parts based on longitude.
2. Standard Time: Each time zone has a standard time that is used as a reference for local time.
3. Hour Offset: Time zones are offset from each other by one hour, with the exception of a few places where the offset is half an hour.
4. Daylight Saving Time: Some countries within a time zone may observe daylight saving time, which temporarily adjusts the standard time by one hour.

(ii) Characteristics of the International Dateline:

1. Longitude 180°: The International Dateline is located at longitude 180° and separates the Eastern Hemisphere from the Western Hemisphere.
2. Date Change: When crossing the International Dateline, the date changes by one day.
3. Time Zones: The International Dateline is located within the time zone boundary and acts as a boundary between two time zones.
4. Standard Time: The International Dateline does not have a standard time and serves as a reference for time zone calculations.

(b)

Given that the time in town A is 9.00am and the time in town B is 6.00pm, we can conclude that the time difference between the two towns is 9 hours. Since the Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, this means that each hour represents a 15° difference in longitude.

Therefore, the longitude of town B can be calculated as follows:

Longitude of town B = Longitude of town A + (Time difference * 15° per hour)
Longitude of town B = 30° W + (9 hours * 15° per hour) = 30° W + 135° = 165° W

In simple terms, the longitude of town B can be found by adding the time difference between the two towns (9 hours) to the longitude of town A (30° W). The result is 165° W, which is the longitude of town B.