Consider the following lines of Longitude and Latitude : 1. Prime Meridian 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Equator Which of the above lines is/are a Great Circle?
- A.1, 2 and 3
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.3 only
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, 1 and 3 only. The Equator and the Prime Meridian both lie on circles whose centre is the centre of the Earth.
A great circle is any circle on a globe whose plane passes through the Earth’s centre; it divides the globe into two equal halves and is the largest circle that can be drawn on it. The Equator is the only parallel of latitude that is a great circle. Every meridian, including the Prime Meridian through Greenwich, joins its opposite meridian (180°) to form a great circle. The shortest route between two places runs along a great circle.
A is wrong because the Tropic of Cancer is not a great circle.
B is wrong because the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5° N is a small circle whose plane does not pass through the Earth’s centre.
D is wrong because it leaves out the Prime Meridian.
Exam tip: only one parallel, the Equator, is a great circle; all meridians lie on great circles; all other parallels are small circles.
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