The distance in longitude from the...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c5195ce

The distance in longitude from the intersection of a great circle and the equator to the lower vertex is how many degrees of longitude?

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Question 1 of 27070

The distance in longitude from the intersection of a great circle and the equator to the lower vertex is how many degrees of longitude?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Great circle vs rhumb line on the globe • Definition of a vertex (maximum or minimum latitude) of a great circle • Geometric relationship between where a great circle crosses the equator and where it reaches its maximum latitude

💭 Think About

• Picture (or sketch) a globe with a great circle that is NOT the equator or a meridian. Where does this circle reach its highest latitude relative to where it crosses the equator? • How many degrees of longitude apart are the point where the great circle crosses the equator and the point where it reaches its maximum latitude? • Remember that most great circles are symmetric about their highest and lowest points. How does that symmetry relate to the spacing in longitude from the equator crossing to the vertex?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on the definition of lower vertex: it is the point of maximum (or minimum) latitude on the great circle, not where it crosses the equator • Verify in a diagram or mentally that there is a fixed longitude difference between any equator crossing and the nearest vertex for any oblique great circle • Check which option (45°, 90°, 135°, 180°) best matches that standard, symmetric spacing on a sphere