How is longitude related to calculating time zones?

How is longitude related to calculating time zones?

• A. One degree equals one hour
• B. It is divided by 15 for time calculation
• C. It must be multiplied by 30
• D. Longitude has no relation to time zones

Answer: (B)

Longitude is fundamental in understanding the relationship between geographic position and time zones, specifically through the division by 15. The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude, and since the planet completes a full rotation of 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, this results in a calculation where each degree of longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of time (24 hours divided by 360 degrees). Consequently, for practical applications in timekeeping across different longitudinal positions, the calculation is simplified by dividing the number of degrees of longitude by 15, leading us to determine that each 15-degree segment of longitude represents one hour of time difference from the prime meridian (the starting point for time zones). This framework allows for the establishment of standard time zones around the globe, where each time zone typically spans 15 degrees of longitude.

Longitude is fundamental in understanding the relationship between geographic position and time zones, specifically through the division by 15. The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude, and since the planet completes a full rotation of 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, this results in a calculation where each degree of longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of time (24 hours divided by 360 degrees). Consequently, for practical applications in timekeeping across different longitudinal positions, the calculation is simplified by dividing the number of degrees of longitude by 15, leading us to determine that each 15-degree segment of longitude represents one hour of time difference from the prime meridian (the starting point for time zones). This framework allows for the establishment of standard time zones around the globe, where each time zone typically spans 15 degrees of longitude.