Chapter 01 Locating Places on the Earth

Text Book Solutions

The Big Questions (Page 7)

Q1: What is a map and how do we use it? What are its main components?
Ans: A map is a representation or drawing of an area, showing physical and/or political features. It is used to navigate and understand spatial relationships between different locations. The main components of a map include distance, direction, and symbols.

Q2: What are coordinates? How can latitude and longitude be used to mark any location on the Earth?
Ans: Coordinates are a set of values that define a specific point on a map. Latitude and longitude are used to mark any location on the Earth by providing a unique set of numerical values that describe its position relative to the Equator (latitude) and the Prime Meridian (longitude).

Q3: How are local time and standard time related to longitude?
Ans: Local time is determined by the position of the sun in the sky, which varies with longitude. Standard time is a uniform time adopted by a region or country, often based on the local time of a specific meridian (longitude) within that region. Time zones are created by dividing the Earth into longitudinal sections, each typically 15 degrees wide.

Back Questions (Page 24)

Q1: Returning to page 10 and to Fig. 5.2 in Chapter 5 of this textbook, taking the scale to be 2.5 cm = 500 km, calculate the real distance from the estuary of the Narmada River to the estuary of the Ganga River. (Hint: round off your measurement on the map to an easy number.)
Ans: Students are supposed to answer this question themselves

Q2: Why is it 5:30 pm in India when it is 12 pm or noon in London?
Ans: India is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of London time. When it is 12 pm (noon) in London (Greenwich Mean Time), it is 5:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST).

Q3: Why do we need symbols and colours in the map?
Ans: Symbols and colours are used in maps to represent various features and information clearly and concisely. They help users to quickly identify and understand different elements such as roads, rivers, buildings, and geographical features.

Q4: Find out what you have in the eight directions from your home or school.
[This is an activity-based question meant for students to explore and identify landmarks in their locality. Here we have provided a sample answer]
Ans: 
From my home:

• North: There is a large public park known for its walking trails and playground.
  
• Northeast: A small grocery store that is convenient for quick shopping trips.
  
• East: The main road that leads to the city center, lined with various shops and cafes.
  
• Southeast: A local library where I often go to study and borrow books.
  
• South: A community health centre providing medical services to the neighbourhood.
  
• Southwest: A primary school with a large playground and sports facilities.
  
• West: A residential area with houses and apartment buildings.
  
• Northwest: A bus stop that provides transportation to different parts of the city.
  

From my school:

• North: The school’s administrative building and the principal’s office.
  
• Northeast: The science block, which includes laboratories and classrooms for physics, chemistry, and biology.
  
• East: The main entrance of the school and the parking area for students and staff.
  
• Southeast: The school cafeteria where students have their meals and snacks.
  
• South: The playground and sports field where various sports activities and physical education classes are held.
  
• Southwest: The school’s auditorium used for assemblies, performances, and events.
  
• West: A small garden maintained by the school’s gardening club, featuring a variety of plants and flowers.
  
• Northwest: The library and study hall where students can read, study, and do their homework.
  

This activity helps in understanding the geographical layout and significant landmarks around my home and school.

Q5: What is the difference between local time and standard time? Discuss it in groups, with each group writing an answer in 100 to 150 words. Compare the answers.
Ans: Local time refers to the time based on the position of the sun in the sky at a specific location, which varies with longitude. Standard time is a uniform time adopted by a region or country, often based on the local time of a specific meridian within that region. Standard time helps in coordinating activities and schedules within a large area, avoiding confusion that would arise from having multiple local times.

Q6: Delhi’s and Bengaluru’s latitudes are 29°N and 13°N; their longitudes are almost the same, 77°E. How much will be the difference in local time between the two cities?
Ans: Since Delhi and Bengaluru are almost on the same longitude (77°E), there is no significant difference in local time between the two cities. Any minor difference would be due to their latitudinal positions, but it is negligible.

Q7: Mark the following statements as true or false; explain your answers with a sentence or two.

• All parallels of latitude have the same length.
  
• The length of a meridian of longitude is half of that of the Equator.
  
• The South Pole has a latitude of 90°S.
  
• In Assam, the local time and the IST are identical.
  
• Lines separating the time zones are identical with meridians of longitude.
  
• The Equator is also a parallel of latitude.
  

Ans:

• 
  Parallels of latitude decrease in length as they move away from the Equator towards the poles. – False.
  
• 
  Meridians of longitude are half the length of the Equator because they run from pole to pole. – True.
  
• 
  The South Pole is at 90°S latitude. – True.
  
• 
  Assam’s local time is slightly ahead of IST due to its eastern position, but IST is used uniformly across India. – False.
  
• 
  Time zone lines often deviate from meridians to follow political and administrative boundaries. – False.
  
• 
  The Equator is the zero-degree parallel of latitude. – True.