How many degrees of longitude does each time zone represent?

• A. 10 degrees
• B. 15 degrees
• C. 20 degrees
• D. 30 degrees

Answer: (B)

Each time zone represents 15 degrees of longitude. This is based on the Earth's rotation and the division of time zones to create a standardized system for keeping time across the globe. The Earth rotates 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, which translates to 15 degrees of longitude per hour (360 degrees / 24 hours = 15 degrees per hour).

As a result, each time zone covers 15 degrees of the Earth's surface. This division helps ensure that local times correspond closely to the position of the sun in the sky, which is critical for navigation, scheduling, and coordination of activities across different regions. This system allows for a practical way to manage time on a global scale, making 15 degrees the correct answer here.