CBSE Class 6 Social Science: Chapter 2 Globe Latitudes and Longitudes NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 6 PDF

This chapter, 'Globe Latitudes and Longitudes,' for CBSE Class 6 Social Science, delves into the fundamental concepts of our planet's representation and spatial orientation. Students will explore the true shape of the Earth, understand what a globe is, and learn about the significance of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. The solutions cover the three heat zones of the Earth – Torrid, Temperate, and Frigid – and explain why certain zones receive more heat than others. Additionally, the chapter addresses the concept of time zones and the reasons for time differences across the globe, particularly between India and London. These detailed NCERT solutions provide clear explanations and step-by-step answers to all questions, aiding students in grasping these essential geographical concepts and preparing effectively for their examinations.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 6
Subject	Social Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Geography - Chapter 2 Globe Latitudes and Longitudes

Chapter summary

Chapter 2 of the Class 6 Social Science curriculum focuses on the Globe, Latitudes, and Longitudes. It explains the Earth's actual shape (geoid), defines a globe as a model, and introduces key concepts like parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude. The solutions cover the Earth's heat zones (Torrid, Temperate, Frigid) and the factors determining heat distribution. A significant part of the chapter involves understanding time differences based on longitudes and the establishment of standard time. The NCERT solutions provide answers to questions related to these topics, helping students build a strong foundation in basic geography.

Learning outcomes

Understand the true shape of the Earth and the concept of a globe.
Identify and define parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude.
Describe the three heat zones of the Earth and their characteristics.
Explain the concept of time zones and calculate time differences.
Locate important parallels like the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle.
Understand the significance of the Prime Meridian and the grid system.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Shape of the Earth
Globe as a model
Parallels of Latitude
Meridians of Longitude
Heat Zones of the Earth
Torrid Zone
Temperate Zones
Frigid Zones
Prime Meridian
Time Zones
Time Difference
Grid System

Important topics

Parallels of Latitude and Meridians of Longitude
Heat Zones of the Earth
Time Zones and Time Differences
Prime Meridian and its significance
The Grid System for location

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Questions and Solutions

Question (a)

What is the true shape of the earth?

Solution: The true shape of the Earth is not a perfect sphere. It is slightly flattened at the North and South Poles and bulges out at the equator. This shape is scientifically known as a geoid.

Question (b)

What is a globe?

Solution: A globe is a three-dimensional, spherical model of the Earth. It represents the Earth in its actual shape and proportions, showing continents, oceans, countries, and other geographical features in their correct relative positions.

Question (c)

What is the latitudinal value of the Tropic of Cancer?

Solution: The Tropic of Cancer is located at a latitudinal value of

23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

N. This line marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

Question (d)

What are the three heat zones of the Earth?

Solution: The Earth is divided into three main heat zones based on the amount of solar heat they receive:

Torrid Zone: Located between the Tropic of Cancer ( $23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$ N) and the Tropic of Capricorn ( $23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$ S).
Temperate Zones: Two zones, the North Temperate Zone (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle) and the South Temperate Zone (between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle).
Frigid Zones: Two zones, the North Frigid Zone (around the North Pole, between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole) and the South Frigid Zone (around the South Pole, between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole).

Question (e)

What are parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude?

Solution:

Parallels of Latitude: These are imaginary circles drawn on the globe parallel to the Equator. They run in an east-west direction. The Equator is the largest parallel of latitude (0°), and the parallels get smaller as they move towards the poles.

Meridians of Longitude: These are imaginary semi-circles that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. They connect points of equal longitude and are perpendicular to the parallels of latitude. The Prime Meridian (0°) is the reference meridian.

Question (f)

Why does the Torrid Zone receive maximum amount of heat?

Solution: The Torrid Zone, which lies between the Tropic of Cancer (

23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (

23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

S), receives the maximum amount of heat because the sun's rays fall directly on this region throughout the year. This direct incidence of sunlight leads to higher temperatures compared to other zones.

Question (g)

Why is it 5.30 p.m. in India when it is 12.00 noon in London?

Solution: The time difference between India and London (Greenwich) is due to the Earth's rotation and the difference in their longitudes. The Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, which means it rotates 15 degrees in one hour or 1 degree in 4 minutes. London is located on the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), which is the reference for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). India's standard meridian is

82\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

E. The time difference is calculated as follows:

Difference in longitude = $82\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$ - 0° = $82\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$

Time difference = $82\frac{1}{2}$ degrees \times 4 minutes/degree = 330 minutes

Converting minutes to hours: 330 minutes / 60 minutes/hour = 5.5 hours.

Since India is to the east of Greenwich, its time is ahead. Therefore, when it is 12:00 noon in London, it is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead in India, making it 5:30 p.m.

Question 2. Tick the correct answer:

(a) The value of the prime meridian is

(i) 90°

(ii) 0°

(iii) 60°

Solution: (ii) 0°. The Prime Meridian is the reference line for longitude and is designated as 0°.

Question 2. Tick the correct answer:

(b) The frigid zone lies near

(i) the Poles

(ii) the Equator

(iii) the Tropic of Cancer

Solution: (i) the Poles. The Frigid Zones are located around the North and South Poles, characterized by extreme cold.

Question 2. Tick the correct answer:

(c) The total number of longitudes are

(i) 360

(ii) 180

(iii) 90

Solution: (i) 360. While we often draw a specific number for convenience (like every 1 degree or 2 degrees), there are 360 meridians of longitude in total, from 1° to 180° East and 1° to 180° West, with 180° East and 180° West being the same line.

Question 2. Tick the correct answer:

(d) The Antarctic Circle is located in

(i) the Northern Hemisphere

(ii) the Southern Hemisphere

(iii) the Eastern Hemisphere

Solution: (ii) the Southern Hemisphere. The Antarctic Circle is located at

66\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

S latitude, in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 2. Tick the correct answer:

(e) Grid is a network of

(i) parallels of latitudes and meridians of longitudes

(ii) the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn

(iii) the North Pole and the South Pole

Solution: (i) parallels of latitudes and meridians of longitudes. The intersection of these imaginary lines forms a grid, which is essential for locating any place on Earth.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks.

(a) The Tropic of Capricorn is located at.....

Solution: The Tropic of Capricorn is located at

23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

Question 3. Fill in the blanks.

(b) The Standard Meridian of India is.....

Solution: The Standard Meridian of India is

82\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

Question 3. Fill in the blanks.

(c) The 0° Meridian is also known as.....

Solution: The 0° Meridian is also known as the Prime Meridian.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks.

(d) The distance between the longitudes decreases towards ......

Solution: The distance between the longitudes decreases towards the Poles. At the Equator, the distance is greatest, and it shrinks to zero at the Poles.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks.

(e) The Arctic Circle is located in the.....

Solution: The Arctic Circle is located in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

(i) The globe and the earth are different in .....

(a) shape

(b) size

(d) none of these.

Solution: (b) size. A globe is a miniature model of the Earth, so it is different in size, whereas the shape and the relative positions of continents and oceans are represented accurately.

Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

(ii) The axis is parallel to the ......

(a) equator

(b) Prime Meridian

(d) all of these.

Solution: (b) Prime Meridian. The Earth's axis, around which it rotates, is tilted but is considered parallel to the imaginary line passing through the poles, which is related to the orientation of the Prime Meridian in its global context.

Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

(iii) The Tropic of Cancer is located at ......

(a) $23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$ N

(b) $66\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$ N

(d) $66\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}$ S.

Solution: (a)

23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

N. The Tropic of Cancer is a line of latitude located at

23\frac{1}{2}^{\circ}

North of the Equator.

Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

(iv) The heat zone with the coldest climate is the ......

(a) Torrid Zone

(b) Northern Temperate Zone

(d) either of the Temperate Zones.

Solution: (c) The Frigid Zones. The Frigid Zones, located near the poles, receive the least direct sunlight and are therefore the coldest regions on Earth.

Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

(v) From the westernmost point to the easternmost point, the local times of India extend over a time difference of.....

(a) no difference

(b) 30 minutes

(d) over 1 hour.

Solution: (d) over 1 hour. Although India has a standard meridian, the actual difference in local time between its westernmost and easternmost points is more than one hour due to the country's vast longitudinal extent.

Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

(vi) The time difference between Greenwich and India is .....

(a) no difference

(b) 3 hours

(d) 12 hours 30 minutes.

Solution: (c) 5 hours 30 minutes. India's standard time is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) because India is located to the east of the Prime Meridian.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(i) Russia extends over..... time zones.

Solution: Russia extends over eleven time zones, reflecting its vast east-west geographical spread.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(ii) As we move away from the equator, the size of the latitudes .....

Solution: As we move away from the equator, the size of the latitudes decreases. The Equator is the largest parallel of latitude, and they become progressively smaller towards the poles.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(iii) The poles fall in the.....

Solution: The poles fall in the Frigid zones.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(iv) To locate a point, we need to know its latitude, as well as.....

Solution: To locate a point, we need to know its latitude, as well as its longitude.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(v) The British Royal Observatory is located in ...... UK.

Solution: The British Royal Observatory is located in Greenwich, UK. This is where the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is established.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(vi) A hemisphere is one ..... of a sphere.

Solution: A hemisphere is one half of a sphere.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(vii) Latitudes and longitudes form a.....

Solution: Latitudes and longitudes form a grid.

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(viii) All places lying on the same ...... have the same time.

Solution: All places lying on the same meridian of longitude have the same time (local time).

Question II. Fill in the Blanks

(ix) When it is 7.30 pm on August 16 in Greenwich, it is...... (time) on .....(date) in Chennai.

Solution: When it is 7:30 p.m. on August 16 in Greenwich, it is 1:00 a.m. on August 17 in Chennai. This is because India's time is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

Calculation: 7:30 p.m. (August 16) + 5 hours 30 minutes = 13:00 hours (which is 1:00 a.m.) on the next day, August 17.

Common mistakes

Confusing parallels of latitude with meridians of longitude.
Incorrectly identifying the location of heat zones (Torrid, Temperate, Frigid).
Miscalculating time differences based on longitude.
Confusing the latitudinal values of the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn.
Not understanding that the number of longitudes is infinite, though conventionally represented.

Revision tips

Draw your own diagrams of the Earth showing latitudes, longitudes, and heat zones.
Practice calculating time differences for different locations.
Memorize the key latitudinal values (Equator, Tropics, Arctic/Antarctic Circles).
Use a globe or map to visualize the concepts of parallels and meridians.
Relate the concepts of longitude to real-world time differences.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the true shape of the Earth, often described as flattened at the poles?

Q2. Which of the following is the latitudinal value of the Tropic of Cancer?

Q3. The three main heat zones of the Earth are:

Q4. What is the value of the Prime Meridian?

Q5. A grid is formed by the intersection of:

Q6. Why does the Torrid Zone receive the maximum amount of heat?

Frequently asked questions

What is the true shape of the Earth?

The true shape of the Earth is a geoid, which is like a sphere but flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator.

What are parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude?

Parallels of latitude are imaginary circles parallel to the Equator, running east-west. Meridians of longitude are imaginary semi-circles that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, connecting points of equal longitude.

What are the three heat zones of the Earth?

The three heat zones are the Torrid Zone (between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn), the Temperate Zones (between the Tropics and the Polar Circles), and the Frigid Zones (near the Poles).

Why is there a time difference between India and London?

The Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, meaning 1 degree of longitude corresponds to 4 minutes of time. India and the UK are on different longitudes (India at 82.5° E and London at 0°), creating a time difference of 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What is the significance of the Prime Meridian?

The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is the reference line from which all other longitudes are measured. It also serves as the basis for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

How does the grid system help?

The grid formed by the intersection of parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude allows for the precise location of any point on the Earth's surface.

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CBSE Class 6 Social Science: Chapter 2 Globe Latitudes and Longitudes NCERT Solutions

Quick info

Chapter summary

Learning outcomes

Topics covered

Paper topics

Important topics

PDF preview

Questions and Solutions

Question (a)

Question (b)

Question (c)

Question (d)

Question (e)

Question (f)

Question (g)

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Question I. Multiple Choice Questions

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Common mistakes

Revision tips

Practice MCQs

Frequently asked questions

Important links