Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct about “Great and Small Circles”?
1. A Great Circle is any circle that circumnavigates the Earth and passes through the center of the Earth.
2. All longitudes are great circles.
3. All latitudes are great circles.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Notes:

A Great Circle is any circle that circumnavigates the Earth and passes through the center of the Earth.  

  • A great circle always divides the Earth in half, thus the Equator is a great circle (but no other latitudes) and all lines of longitude are great circles.  
  • The shortest distance between any two points on the Earth lies along a great circle. Circles which do not pass through the centre of the earth are the small circles. 

Source: G C Leong 

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