Explanations:The longitudinal extent of a region refers to the range of longitudes that cover the area from east to west. In the context of Tamil Nadu, a state located in the southern part of India, the longitudinal extent is a critical geographical feature that defines its position on the Earth's surface.
Longitude is a coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds, and is referenced from the Prime Meridian, which is defined as 0$^\circ$ longitude and runs through Greenwich, England. Longitudes to the east of the Prime Meridian are designated as "E" (east), while those to the west are designated as "W" (west).
Tamil Nadu is located in the eastern hemisphere, which means its longitudes are all east of the Prime Meridian. The state's easternmost point is at approximately 76$^\circ$18 E, and its westernmost point is at approximately 80$^\circ$20 E. This range of longitudes accurately reflects the east-west span of the state.
It is important to note that the longitudinal extent of a region can be used to determine the time zones within that region, as well as to understand the geographical relationships between different parts of the state. For example, the longitudinal extent of Tamil Nadu indicates that the state spans approximately 4$^\circ$2 minutes, which is a relatively small range compared to the entire longitudinal span of the Earth (360$^\circ$).
Understanding the longitudinal extent of a region is crucial for various applications, including cartography, navigation, and time zone calculations. In the case of Tamil Nadu, the correct longitudinal extent is from 76$^\circ$18 E to 80$^\circ$20 E, which accurately reflects the state's position within the eastern hemisphere.