The difference in longitude between Boston and San Francisco is approximately 52°. They are three time zones apart, so standard clocks differ by 3 hours. Without the time zones, what would be the difference between traditional (or astronomical) noon (when the Sun is highest in the sky) at these two places?
A) 2.5 hours
B) 3 hours
C) 3.5 hours
D) 4 hours

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference in time between two locations based on longitude is calculated as 1 hour for every 15 degrees of longitude because the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours. Therefore, a difference of 52 degrees in longitude would result in a time difference of 52/15 = 3.47 hours, which is approximately 3.5 hours.

The Difference in Longitude Between Boston and San Francisco Is