The sun rises about ______ hour earlier in the east (Arunachal Pradesh) than in the west (Gujarat).
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer: Option 2: Two
Explanation:
There is a difference of approximately 30° longitude between India's easternmost point (Arunachal Pradesh) and westernmost point (Gujarat). Since it takes 4 minutes for the Earth to rotate 1°, this difference is 30 * 4 = 120 minutes, or 2 hours. This is why the sun rises 2 hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh than in Gujarat.
Additional Facts:
Standard Time (IST): To eliminate confusion caused by this time difference, 82°30E longitude has been considered India's Standard Meridian, which passes through Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh).
Calculation: The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, which translates to 15° per hour. A difference of 30° directly translates to a time difference of 2 hours.
Possible questions for the upcoming exam:
Which longitude determines Indian Standard Time (IST)?
(Answer: 82°30°E).
How long does it take for the Earth to rotate 1° longitude?
(Answer: 4 minutes).
Which city does the Standard Meridian of India pass through?
(Answer: Mirzapur).