Question

Through how many states of India does the Tropic of Cancer pass?

• A. \(7 \)
• B. \(8 \)
• C. \(5 \)
• D. \(4 \)

Hint:

Remember the sequence of states crossed by Tropic of Cancer in India: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram. Total = 8 states.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Tropic of Cancer is an important imaginary latitude line located at approximately \(23.5^\circ\) north of the Equator. It is one of the five major circles of latitude marked on maps of the Earth. It represents the northernmost point at which the Sun can appear directly overhead at noon during the summer solstice. In India, this important geographical line passes through several states, and knowledge of these states is a commonly asked geography question.

Step 1: Understanding what the Tropic of Cancer represents.
The Tropic of Cancer is situated at: \[ 23.5^\circ N \] It divides the tropical zone and indicates the farthest northern latitude receiving direct vertical sunlight during a certain period of the year. This line plays an important role in determining climate patterns and seasons.

Step 2: Identifying the Indian states through which the Tropic of Cancer passes.
The Tropic of Cancer passes through exactly the following eight states of India: \[ 1.\ Gujarat \] \[ 2.\ Rajasthan \] \[ 3.\ Madhya\ Pradesh \] \[ 4.\ Chhattisgarh \] \[ 5.\ Jharkhand \] \[ 6.\ West\ Bengal \] \[ 7.\ Tripura \] \[ 8.\ Mizoram \]

Step 3: Counting the total number of states crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.
From the above geographical list, the total number of states becomes: \[ 8 \] Hence, the Tropic of Cancer passes through eight states of India. \[ \boxed{8} \] Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).