Determining the Longitude of Place B Based on Time Difference

Introduction

Understanding the relationship between time and longitude is essential for various geographical and navigational purposes. This article explains how to determine the longitude of Place B based on the time difference between Place B and a known reference point, Place A. We will explore the principles of Earth's rotation and the relationship between time and longitude to reach a precise conclusion.

Understanding Time Differences and Earth's Rotation

The Earth rotates on its axis, completing one full rotation in 24 hours. This rotation creates the concept of time zones and the relationship between time and longitude. Every 15 degrees of longitude corresponds to a 1-hour difference in time.

Calculating the Longitude Difference

Given that Place A is at 7 PM and Place B is at 10 PM, we can deduce that there is a 3-hour time difference between the two places. To calculate the longitude difference, we use the following steps:

Determine the time difference between Place A and Place B. In this case, the difference is 3 hours (10 PM - 7 PM). Calculate the degree difference by multiplying the time difference (in hours) by the degree difference per hour (15 degrees/hour). Add the longitude difference to the longitude of Place A to find the longitude of Place B.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Let's break down the calculation step by step:

Time difference: 3 hours Degree difference per hour: 15 degrees/hour Longitude difference: 3 hours × 15 degrees/hour 45 degrees Longitude of Place A: 75 degrees East Longitude of Place B: 75 degrees East 45 degrees 120 degrees East

Therefore, the longitude of Place B is 120 degrees East.

Methodology

To summarize the methodology:

The Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, which equates to 15 degrees per hour (360 / 24). For every hour of time difference, there is a corresponding 15-degree difference in longitude. Since Place B is 3 hours ahead of Place A, the longitude difference is 45 degrees (3 hours × 15 degrees/hour). Add the 45-degree difference to the longitude of Place A (75 degrees East) to find the longitude of Place B (120 degrees East).

This calculation method is widely used in various geographical and navigation applications to determine the exact position of places based on time differences.

Final Conclusion

Based on the time difference and the principles of Earth's rotation, we can accurately determine the longitude of Place B. The longitude of Place B, considering the given time difference and the longitude of Place A, is 120 degrees East.

Key Points to Remember

The Earth rotates 15 degrees per hour. Time difference between two places corresponds to a degree difference in longitude. The longitude of Place B can be calculated by adding the degree difference to the longitude of Place A.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between time and longitude is crucial for precise geographic positioning and navigation. By utilizing the principles of Earth's rotation and the given time difference, we can accurately determine the longitude of Place B as 120 degrees East.