The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The variation in the duration of day and night at different places on Earth is primarily determined by latitude. The circle of illumination divides the Earth into day and night. Due to the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5°, the length of days and nights varies as one moves away from the Equator. At the Equator, days and nights are of nearly equal duration (12 hours each) throughout the year. As one moves towards the poles, the difference between the duration of day and night increases.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: India's mainland extends from approximately 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitudes. As one moves from the southern part of India (closer to the Equator) towards the north (closer to the Pole), the latitudinal distance from the Equator increases. Consequently, the difference between the duration of day and night increases.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Kanyakumari is located at the southern tip of the Indian mainland, very close to the Equator. Due to its proximity to the Equator, the difference between the duration of day and night is minimal (approximately 45 minutes) and is hardly felt.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Kashmir is located in the northern part of India, far away from the Equator (around 37°N). Due to this higher latitude, the difference between the duration of day and night is significant, reaching up to 5 hours in summer versus winter.
Key Takeaway:
Latitudinal location dictates the variation in day length; places closer to the Equator experience minimal variation between day and night, while places closer to the poles experience maximum variation.