\begin{tabular}{|lc|}\hline\( \square \) Question 2 & 8 pts \\ Which word means to measure the \\ distance east or west? \\ \( \frac{\text { O equator }}{\text { O latitude }} \) \\ O prime meridian \end{tabular}

The term you're looking for is "longitude." Longitude refers to the measurement of distance east or west from the prime meridian, which is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and is defined as 0 degrees longitude. While latitude measures distances north or south from the equator, longitude plays a crucial role in navigation and mapping by helping us locate positions on Earth. In the realm of navigation, understanding longitude is essential for sailor and aviators alike. They use precise instruments like the sextant and GPS technology to determine their position concerning the prime meridian. Falling short in measuring longitude can lead to serious navigational errors, so it's critical to master this concept if your adventures take you across the open seas or the skies!