Question

Which latitude passes through the center of Australia?
A. Equator
B. Tropic of Cancer
C. Tropic of Capricorn
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: It marks the southernmost extent of the Tropical region of the Earth. It receives direct sunlight during the December Solstice. It is located in the southern hemisphere.

Complete Answer:
The country Australia is located in the southern hemisphere of the Earth. It lies between the 9S and 44S latitudes. The Tropic of Capricorn is the 23.5S and hence it passes through the center of Australia.
A. Equator – The Equator is an imaginary line which is parallel to all the latitudes and divides the Earth into two hemispheres. In other words, it is midway from the two poles of the earth. The area on the equator or near the equator always receives sunlight from directly above almost every day throughout the year. Thus, the equator has a very constant daytime temperature all through the year.
B. Tropic of Cancer – It is the latitude that lies 23.5 to the north of the equator. It is also called the Northern Tropic. The region to the south of this latitude is called the tropical region and the region to its north is called the Northern Temperate region. The sun can be seen to be directly overhead along this latitude during the June Solstice. During this time the earth is tilted to its maximum extent towards the sun.
C. Tropic of Capricorn – It is the latitude that lies 23.5 to the south of the equator and is the southern extent of the tropical region. Towards its south, lies the Southern Temperate region. During the Southern Solstice or December Solstice, the sun can be seen directly overhead at this latitude. During this time, the earth is tilted to its maximum extent away from the sun.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (C) Tropic of Capricorn.

Note: The Tropic of Cancer passes through India. The states that are to its north, come in the temperate region which are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, The Delhi NCR, Bihar, Northeastern States etc. The states to its south have a tropical climate. These include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Andaman Islands, Maharashtra, Telangana etc.