Latitude and Longitude — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The Tropic of Cancer sits at 23.5 degrees south of the equator on the globe.
Corrected: The Tropic of Cancer sits at 23.5 degrees north of the equator on the globe.
The Tropic of Cancer lies at 23.5 degrees north latitude, marking the sun's farthest northern point during the June solstice.
2. Fix the sentence:
The Arctic Circle runs around Earth at 66.5 degrees south latitude near the bottom.
Corrected: The Arctic Circle runs around Earth at 66.5 degrees north latitude near the top.
The Arctic Circle is located at 66.5 degrees north latitude, encircling the North Pole and marking the polar region.
3. Fix the sentence:
The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia at 23.5 degrees north latitude exactly.
Corrected: The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia at 23.5 degrees south latitude exactly.
The Tropic of Capricorn sits at 23.5 degrees south latitude and crosses through countries in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The Antarctic Circle is found at 66.5 degrees south latitude, surrounding the South Pole.
The Antarctic Circle lies at 66.5 degrees south latitude and circles the South Pole region.
2. The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost line where the sun appears directly overhead.
The Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees north is where the sun is directly overhead during the June solstice.
3. Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn lies the warm tropical zone.
The tropical zone between the two tropics receives the most direct sunlight, creating warm climates year-round.
4. Polar circles like the Arctic and Antarctic mark where the sun does not set on solstice days.
The polar circles at 66.5 degrees north and south mark boundaries where the sun stays above the horizon for 24 hours during summer solstice.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Why are the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn important latitude lines on Earth?
Sample answer: These tropics mark the farthest points north and south where the sun appears directly overhead at noon during solstices, defining the warm tropical climate zone.
The tropics define the boundaries of Earth's tropical zone where the sun reaches a 90-degree angle overhead at some point during the year.
2. How do the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle differ in their location on Earth?
Sample answer: The Arctic Circle sits at 66.5 degrees north latitude around the North Pole, while the Antarctic Circle sits at 66.5 degrees south latitude around the South Pole.
The two polar circles share the same latitude value but lie in opposite hemispheres, marking the boundaries of polar day and night regions.