One fathom is equal to: A. 6 metres B. 6 feet C. 60 feet D. 60 cm
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. 6 feet.
A fathom is a unit of length commonly used in nautical contexts to measure the depth of water. Historically, it was defined as the span of a man’s outstretched arms, which was approximately six feet. This measurement has remained consistent and is widely used in maritime industries to describe the depth of oceans, lakes, and rivers, as well as in fishing to measure the distance between the seabed and the surface.
To elaborate, one fathom equals exactly 6 feet or 1.8288 meters. The term is often encountered when discussing navigational charts, fishing depths, or the measurement of submerged features like shipwrecks. For instance, when a sailor says that a particular spot is “twenty fathoms deep,” they are referring to a depth of 120 feet (20 × 6 feet).
The fathom is primarily used in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, in most other parts of the world, the metric system is more commonly used for such measurements, meaning that fathoms are not as widely used in non-nautical contexts.
The other options—A. 6 metres, C. 60 feet, and D. 60 cm—are incorrect. While 6 metres may sound close, it does not match the standard definition of a fathom. Similarly, 60 feet or 60 cm are not related to the fathom measurement.
In summary, the fathom is specifically defined as 6 feet, and it plays a vital role in marine measurements and navigation.
