📚 Part of: Kerala Geography And History Mcqs

In which of these places there is hardly any difference in day and night?

Category: Kerala Gk

Correct Answer: C) Thiruvananthapuram.

Exam Relevance: Kerala PSC, UPSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The duration of day and night varies with latitude. Near the equator, the difference between day and night is minimal, whereas at higher latitudes, the difference can be significant, especially during solstices.

Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming all cities in India have similar day and night durations.
  • Overlooking the effect of latitude on day and night duration.
  • Confusing the concept of equinox with the duration of day and night.
Explanation:

The duration of day and night varies significantly with latitude due to the Earth's axial tilt and its revolution around the Sun. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. This tilt causes the Sun's rays to hit different parts of the Earth at varying angles throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes and variations in day and night duration.

At the equator, the Sun's rays are nearly perpendicular to the Earth's surface throughout the year, resulting in a nearly equal duration of day and night. This is because the equator is the point on Earth that is closest to the Sun's path in the sky, known as the ecliptic. As a result, the Sun rises and sets at nearly the same time every day, leading to a minimal difference in day and night duration.

In contrast, as we move away from the equator towards the poles, the angle at which the Sun's rays hit the Earth's surface changes more dramatically throughout the year. This leads to significant variations in day and night duration, especially during the solstices. During the summer solstice, the Sun's rays hit the Northern Hemisphere more directly, leading to longer days and shorter nights. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the Sun's rays hit the Northern Hemisphere at a more oblique angle, leading to shorter days and longer nights.

Among the options provided, Thiruvananthapuram is the closest to the equator, located at a latitude of approximately 8.52°N. This proximity to the equator results in a minimal difference in the duration of day and night throughout the year. In contrast, Bengaluru (12.97°N) and Delhi (28.70°N) are farther from the equator, leading to a more pronounced difference in day and night duration.

Therefore, the correct answer is Thiruvananthapuram, as it experiences the least difference in day and night duration due to its proximity to the equator.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Bengaluru is located at a latitude of approximately 12.97°N, which is not close to the equator. Therefore, it experiences a noticeable difference in the duration of day and night throughout the year. This makes it incorrect as the answer.
  • Option B: Delhi is located at a latitude of approximately 28.70°N, which is significantly far from the equator. This results in a more pronounced difference in the duration of day and night, especially during the solstices. Hence, this option is incorrect.
  • Option C: Thiruvananthapuram is located at a latitude of approximately 8.52°N, which is closer to the equator compared to the other options. This proximity to the equator results in a minimal difference in the duration of day and night, making it the correct answer.
  • Option D: This option suggests that all the cities listed have a minimal difference in day and night duration, which is incorrect. Only Thiruvananthapuram, being closer to the equator, has a minimal difference in day and night duration.
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