The diagram below shows three approximate locations of the sun along the western horizon. Which number indicates the location of the sun at sunset on the vernal equinox for an observer at a latitude of 48 S?
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) The sun will set in the east for an observer in the southern hemisphere.
E) The sun will not set on vernal equinox at this latitude.

Question

The diagram below shows three approximate locations of the sun along the western horizon. Which number indicates the location of the sun at sunset on the vernal equinox for an observer at a latitude of 48 S? 
A) 1 
B) 2 
C) 3 
D) The sun will set in the east for an observer in the southern hemisphere. 
E) The sun will not set on vernal equinox at this latitude.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

On the vernal equinox, the sun will be directly above the equator, which is at 0 degrees latitude. Therefore, to determine where the sun will set on the vernal equinox for an observer at a latitude of 48 S, we need to find where the equator intersects with the 48 S latitude line.

Looking at the diagram, we can see that at position 2, the sun appears to be directly above the equator, and the latitude line intersects with the western horizon. This indicates that the sun will set at position 2 on the vernal equinox for an observer at a latitude of 48 S.

Positions 1 and 3 do not coincide with the intersection of the 48 S latitude line and the equator, so they are not the correct answer.

The Diagram Below Shows Three Approximate Locations of the Sun