Question

Earth's diameter at the Equator is ______ and at the poles is ______.

Options

• 12,750 km, 12,715 km

• 12,752 km, 12,726 km

• 12,714 km, 12,755 km

• 12,756 km, 12,714 km

Answer 1

Earth's diameter at the Equator is 12,756 km and at the poles is 12,714 km.

Explanation:

The Earth's shape is not a perfect sphere; it is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the Equator.

• The diameter at the Equator is about 12,756 km.
• The diameter at the poles is slightly smaller, about 12,714 km.

This difference in diameter is due to the Earth's rotation, which causes a centrifugal force that causes the equator to bulge outward.