time zone
Definition
A time zone is a region of the Earth that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes. Time zones are defined by meridians, which are imaginary lines that run from pole to pole and divide the Earth into 24 equal segments.
The time difference between two time zones is one hour. This is because the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, and each time zone covers 15 degrees of longitude.
The Prime Meridian is the imaginary line that passes through Greenwich, England. It is the zeroth meridian, and all other time zones are measured relative to it.
Time zones are important because they allow people to coordinate their activities and communicate with each other. They also help to ensure that businesses and governments operate efficiently.
How can the word be used?
The meeting will be held in Pacific Standard Time.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
a region of the globe that observes a uniform standard time for legal, commercial, and social purposes.
Adjective:
relating to or denoting a time zone.
Etymology
The word "time zone" is a compound word, made up of the words "time" and "zone".
The word "time" comes from the Old English word "tima", which is also the root of the word "tide".
The word "zone" comes from the Latin word "zona", which means "belt".
The first recorded use of the word "time zone" was in 1885.
The word "time zone" is a relatively new word, and it is not related to any other words in English.
Question
What happens to the time when you travel to New York from London?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of time zones and their significance in global timekeeping. Describe how time zones are determined and the reasons behind their establishment. Provide an example of a region where time zone differences have practical implications.
Answer:
Time zones are divisions of the Earth's surface into distinct regions, each of which shares the same standard time. They play a critical role in global timekeeping, ensuring that time remains synchronised across different geographic areas. Time zones are primarily established based on longitudinal divisions of the Earth.
The Earth rotates 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, resulting in a rotation of 15 degrees per hour. This led to the creation of 24 standard time zones, each covering 15 degrees of longitude. The prime meridian (0 degrees) in Greenwich, England, serves as the reference point for establishing time zones.
Time zones are essential to maintain consistency in timekeeping for various activities such as international communication, transportation, and commerce. They prevent confusion and ensure that events occur at the appropriate local times.
An example of the practical implications of time zones can be seen when scheduling international flights. A traveller departing from New York to Tokyo crosses several time zones, leading to significant differences in local times. Flight schedules need to consider these time zone changes to ensure passengers arrive at their destinations at the correct times, reflecting both travel duration and local time differences.
Time zones demonstrate the importance of harmonizing time across the globe to facilitate effective communication and coordination. They reflect the intricate balance between Earth's rotation and the need for standardised timekeeping in a globally interconnected world.