The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Earth rotates on its axis, an imaginary line passing through the North and South Poles. This rotation is responsible for the occurrence of day and night and influences the circulation of the atmosphere and oceans.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Earth rotates on its axis from West to East. This direction of rotation explains why the Sun, Moon, and stars appear to rise in the East and set in the West.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Earth completes one full rotation, which is 360°, in approximately 24 hours (specifically, a solar day). Therefore, to cover 180°, it takes half that time, which is 12 hours, not 24 hours.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Since the Earth completes a 360° rotation in 24 hours, the rate of rotation can be calculated as:
360° / 24 hours = 15° per hour.
This rate is fundamental to the calculation of time zones, where a difference of 15° longitude corresponds to a time difference of one hour.
Key Takeaway:
The Earth rotates from West to East, completing a full 360° circle in 24 hours. This results in an angular speed of 15° per hour, or 1° every 4 minutes.