Study for the Social Studies BJC Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your Social Studies test!

Multiple Choice

What is a half of the earth called?

A half of the Earth is called a hemisphere. Earth is roughly a sphere, so dividing it by a great circle creates two equal halves, and that half is called a hemisphere. We commonly hear about the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (divided by the equator) and the Eastern and Western Hemispheres (divided by the meridians). A globe describes the whole Earth, not just a half. A zone isn’t the standard term for half of Earth, and a planet refers to Earth as a whole object, not a half. So hemisphere is the correct term for half of the Earth.

A half of the Earth is called a hemisphere. Earth is roughly a sphere, so dividing it by a great circle creates two equal halves, and that half is called a hemisphere. We commonly hear about the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (divided by the equator) and the Eastern and Western Hemispheres (divided by the meridians). A globe describes the whole Earth, not just a half. A zone isn’t the standard term for half of Earth, and a planet refers to Earth as a whole object, not a half. So hemisphere is the correct term for half of the Earth.