Why are time zones different?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Earth rotates 15° per hour
Historical tradition varies — Wrong. While political boundaries affect zones, the basic reason is Earth's rotation—360° ÷ 24 hours = 15° longitude per time zone.
Earth rotates 15° per hour ✓ — Correct! Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours = 15° per hour. Time zones are roughly 15° of longitude wide so that noon occurs when the sun is highest. Without zones, people far east/west would have sunrise at 'noon'! Political boundaries alter zones (China uses one despite spanning 5), but the 15° basis ensures consistent solar time.
Distance from equator — Wrong. Latitude (distance from equator) doesn't determine time zones. They're based on longitude—Earth's 360° rotation over 24 hours creates 15° zones.