On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours?

Question

1. Equator

2. Tropic of Cancer

3. Tropic of Capricorn

4. Arctic Circle

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4

Answer 1

(d) 2 and 4

Explanation:

June 21 is the date of the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic of Cancer. On this day:

• Equator: The Equator experiences approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness throughout the year, including on June 21.

• Tropic of Cancer: The Tropic of Cancer experiences more than 12 hours of daylight on June 21, as this is the day when the Sun is directly overhead at noon.

• Tropic of Capricorn: The Tropic of Capricorn experiences less than 12 hours of daylight on June 21, as it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of daylight on June 21, known as the Midnight Sun, because it is the height of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Therefore, on June 21, the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle both experience more than 12 hours of sunlight, making option (d) the correct answer.