Correct Option
The correct option isTo avoid confusion caused by differences in local times across longitudes.
Explanation
Local time is determined by the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky, which varies with longitude. The Earth rotates 360 degrees in approximately 24 hours, meaning local time changes by 4 minutes for every degree of longitude. Without a standardized system, every location would have a different clock time based on its specific meridian.
Detailed Analysis
- To align with the phases of the moon. is Incorrect: The phases of the moon determine the lunar calendar and influence tides but are not the basis for civil timekeeping or the adoption of Standard Time.
- To avoid confusion caused by differences in local times across longitudes. is Correct: In countries with a significant longitudinal extent, the difference in local times between the eastern and western extremes can be substantial (e.g., approximately two hours in India). If every place followed its own local time, it would create immense confusion in administrative functioning, railway and flight scheduling, and communication. To avoid this, countries select a Standard Meridian (usually a multiple of 7.5° or 15°) and apply the local time of that meridian uniformly across the region.
- To ensure faster transportation schedules. is Incorrect: While a unified time system facilitates the coordination of transportation schedules, it does not physically make transportation faster.
- To synchronize with Greenwich Mean Time. is Incorrect: Although Standard Time is calculated as an offset from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the primary rationale for its adoption is internal uniformity rather than mere synchronization with Greenwich.
Key Takeaway
Standard Time is adopted primarily to eliminate the administrative and logistical confusion that would arise from the variation of local time across different longitudes within a country.