What is defined as the distance east or west of the prime meridian, measured in degrees?

The correct choice is defined as the measurement that indicates how far a location is east or west of the prime meridian, expressed in degrees. Longitude serves as a key reference in geography, allowing us to pinpoint locations on the Earth's surface relative to this imaginary line. The prime meridian itself runs through Greenwich, England, and divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Latitude, on the other hand, measures the distance north or south of the equator and is not related to the east-west orientation of locations. Elevation refers to the height above sea level, while distance generally refers to the extent of space between two points and is not a coordinate measurement like longitude. Understanding longitude is fundamental for navigation and mapping, as it directly affects time zones and geographical positioning.