Short & Long Questions: A Globe, Latitudes and Longitudes | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is the shape of the Earth?
Ans: The Earth is spherical in shape, slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the Equator. This shape is called a geoid.

Q2: What are the two sets of imaginary lines used to locate places on a globe?
Ans: The two sets of imaginary lines are latitudes and longitudes.

Q3: What is the Equator, and what does it divide the Earth into?
Ans: The Equator is a circle around the middle of the Earth, exactly halfway between the North Pole and South Pole. It divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.

Q4: How many parallels of latitude are there in total, and how many in each hemisphere?
Ans: There are 180 parallels of latitude in total, with 90 in the Northern Hemisphere and 90 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Q5: What is the Prime Meridian, and why is it important?
Ans: The Prime Meridian is an imaginary line passing through Greenwich, England. It is used as the starting point to measure distances east or west. It's important because it helps us determine standard time zones around the world.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain how latitudes and longitudes help us locate places on Earth.
Ans: Latitudes and longitudes are imaginary lines used to create a grid on maps and globes. Latitudes run parallel to the Equator, measuring distances north or south, while longitudes run from the North Pole to the South Pole, measuring distances east or west. By using the intersection of these lines, we can pinpoint the exact location of any place on Earth. For example, if you live in a city, your location can be expressed as a set of latitude and longitude coordinates. This grid system helps us navigate and find specific places accurately.

Q2: Why do we have different heat zones on Earth, and what are the names of these zones?
Ans: Different heat zones exist on Earth due to the way the Sun's rays hit the Earth's surface. Near the Equator, the Sun's rays are direct and concentrated, making it hotter. This area is called the Torrid Zone. As we move away from the Equator towards the Poles, the Sun's rays hit the surface at a slanted angle, spreading out the heat over a larger area. This results in cooler temperatures. The zones are divided into the Torrid Zone (near the Equator), the Temperate Zone (in the middle), and the Frigid Zone (near the Poles).

Q3: Explain how time zones work and why they are important.
Ans: Time zones are regions on Earth that share the same standard time. They are necessary because as the Earth rotates, different parts of the world experience daylight at different times. Each time zone spans 15 degrees of longitude. The Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, serves as the starting point for these zones. Standardizing time across the world helps people coordinate activities, plan travel, and communicate effectively across different regions.

Q4: What is the significance of the International Date Line (IDL)?
Ans: The International Date Line (IDL) is the 180° meridian, exactly opposite the Prime Meridian. When you cross the IDL, your calendar date changes. If you move from east to west across the IDL, you gain a day, and if you move from west to east, you lose a day. This is important for travelers, ships, and airplanes, as they need to adjust their calendars when crossing this line.

Q5: Explain why longitudes are important for determining time and how they help us find our local time.
Ans: Longitudes are crucial for determining time because they correspond to different time zones on Earth. As the Earth rotates from west to east, places to the east experience sunrise earlier than those to the west. Each longitude has its own local time. For instance, India has a standard meridian (82°30'E), and the local time here is known as Indian Standard Time (IST), which is about 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Understanding longitudes allows us to accurately schedule activities and coordinate with people in different parts of the world.