Small Circles are an important concept in geography and mathematics. These circles are formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that does not pass through the center of the sphere. Specifically, small circles are circles on a sphere, the plane of which does not pass through the center of the sphere. In contrast, a great circle is a circle on a sphere that passes through the center of the sphere.
On the surface of the Earth, small circles are formed by the intersection of a plane with the Earth’s surface that does not pass through the center of the Earth. All parallels, other than the Equator, are small circles. The Equator is a great circle because it does pass through the center of the Earth.
Understanding the concept of small circles is important for a number of reasons. First, it is essential for navigation. For example, if you were sailing from New York to London, you would need to follow a great circle route in order to take the shortest path. However, if you were sailing from New York to Paris, you would need to follow a small circle route because Paris is not located on the same latitude as New York.
Another reason why small circles are important is that they help us understand how the Earth rotates on its axis. The Earth undergoes one complete rotation along its axis in 24 hours. For a complete rotation on its axis, the Earth passes through 360 degrees. This means that in one hour, the Earth rotates through 15 degrees. However, the distance that a point on the Earth’s surface travels during one hour depends on its latitude. Points on the Equator travel the farthest, while points on the poles do not move at all.
Small circles are an important concept in geography and mathematics. They are formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that does not pass through the center of the sphere. Understanding small circles is important for navigation and for understanding how the Earth rotates on its axis.
What Do You Mean By Small Circle?
A small circle is a circular shape that is formed on the surface of a sphere when a plane intersects it, but the plane doesn’t pass through the center of the sphere. It is different from a great circle, which is formed when a plane passes through the center of the sphere, dividing it into two equal halves. A small circle can be found on the surface of the Earth, for example, and is used in navigation and geography. It is important to note that the size of a small circle can vary depending on the size of the sphere and the angle at which the plane intersects it.
What Is An Example Of The Small Circle?
A small circle on a sphere is a circle whose plane does not pass through the center of the sphere. An example of a small circle would be the Arctic Circle, which is a small circle of latitude located at approximately 66.5 degrees north of the Equator. Another example would be the Tropic of Cancer, which is a small circle of latitude located at approximately 23.5 degrees north of the Equator. Small circles are not as well-known as great circles, which are circles whose planes pass through the center of the sphere, but they are still important in geography and navigation.
What Are Small Circles In Geography Class 9?
Small Circles are a term used in Geography to describe lines that do not pass through the center of the earth. In other words, they are circles that are smaller than the Equator. All Parallels other than the Equator are Small Circles. Unlike the Equator, Small Circles do not divide the earth into two equal halves.
It is worth noting that the earth undergoes one complete rotation along its axis in 24 hours, which means that for a complete rotation on its axis, the earth passes through 360 degrees. This rotation is the reason why we experience day and night.
Small Circles are an important concept in Geography class 9 as they help in understanding the different lines of latitude and their significance. It is also important to note that Small Circles are not to be confused with Great Circles, which are circles that pass through the center of the earth and divide it into two equal halves.
Conclusion
A small circle is a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that does not pass through the center of the sphere. Unlike a great circle, a small circle does not divide the sphere into two equal parts. Instead, it is a line that does not pass through the center of the earth. Small circles are important in geography and navigation as they help determine the shortest distance between two points on the surface of the earth. All parallels other than the equator are small circles. Understanding the concept of small circles is crucial for anyone interested in geography, navigation, or astronomy.
