On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours ? 1. Equator 2. Tropic of Cancer 3. Tropic of Capricorn 4. Arctic Circle Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. 3 and 4
4. D. 2 and 4

Answer: D

Explanation

June 21st marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. On this day, the Earth’s Northern Hemisphere is tilted most directly towards the Sun. The Sun’s rays are directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N). Consequently: 1. Equator: Always experiences approximately 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night throughout the year. 2. Tropic of Cancer: Receives direct sunlight, leading to the longest day of the year, significantly more than 12 hours. 3. Tropic of Capricorn: Being in the Southern Hemisphere, it experiences the winter solstice on June 21st, resulting in the shortest day of the year, less than 12 hours of sunlight. 4. Arctic Circle: All areas north of the Arctic Circle (66.5° N) experience 24 hours of continuous daylight on June 21st. Therefore, the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle experience more than 12 hours of sunlight. This question is a basic concept from physical geography, related to Earth’s revolution and its impact on seasons and day length.