Question

Two vessels are steaming eastward with the same speed. Vessel A departed from position (53°16’N, 48°51’W), and Vessel B from position (22°43’N, 48°51’W). If they left their respective ports at the same time, which vessel will reach the prime meridian first? Explain briefly your answer.

Answer 1

Given that both vessels are steaming eastward with the same speed, the vessel that is closer to the prime meridian will reach it first.

The distance between the starting position of Vessel A (53°16’N, 48°51’W) and the prime meridian (0°) is 48°51’W.

The distance between the starting position of Vessel B (22°43’N, 48°51’W) and the prime meridian (0°) is also 48°51’W.

Since both vessels are starting at the same time and have the same speed, the vessel that started from a higher latitude (Vessel A) will travel a shorter distance to reach the prime meridian. Thus, Vessel A will reach the prime meridian first.