Part of: Tamil Nadu Gk set 32

What is the latitude and longitude of Chennai?

Category: Tamil Nadu Gk

Hint: Recall the general location of Chennai on the Indian map.

Correct Answer: D) 14N, 81E.

Exam Relevance: SSC, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Latitude and longitude are a fundamental part of geography, used to pinpoint the exact location of any place on Earth. Latitude is the angular distance of a place north or south of the Earth's equator, measured in degrees. The equator is at 0° latitude, and the poles are at 90° latitude. Longitude, on the other hand, is the angular distance of a place east or west of the prime meridian, which is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole through Greenwich, England. The prime meridian is at 0° longitude, and the farthest point east or west is at 180° longitude.

Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is located in the southeastern part of India. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 13.0827° N latitude and 80.2707° E longitude. These coordinates place Chennai in the northern hemisphere (north of the equator) and the eastern hemisphere (east of the prime meridian).

Understanding the concept of latitude and longitude is crucial for various applications, including navigation, mapping, and geographical studies. For example, when planning a journey or studying the climate and weather patterns of a region, knowing the exact coordinates can provide valuable information. In the context of Chennai, its coordinates help in understanding its position relative to other cities and regions in India and the world.

It is important to note that while the exact coordinates of Chennai are 13.0827° N and 80.2707° E, the closest approximation among the given options is 14N, 81E. This slight discrepancy is due to rounding and simplification, which is common in multiple-choice questions to make the options more manageable. However, for precise geographical work, the exact coordinates are essential.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The coordinates 17N, 79E do not correspond to Chennai. This location is further north and slightly west of Chennai's actual position.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The coordinates 12N, 84E are not correct for Chennai. This location is further south and east of Chennai's actual position.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The coordinates 20N, 75E do not match Chennai's location. This location is much further north and west of Chennai's actual position.
  • Option D: This option is correct. The coordinates 14N, 81E are the closest to the actual latitude and longitude of Chennai, which is approximately 13.0827° N and 80.2707° E.

Mnemonic: Remember "Chennai's 14-81" for its coordinates.

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