Practice Questions on Central Place Theory for AP Exam

🌍 Topic Summary

Central Place Theory, developed by Walter Christaller, explains the size and spacing of cities and towns based on people's shopping behavior. It assumes that people will go to the nearest place that offers the goods and services they need. Larger cities offer a wider variety of goods and services (high-order functions) and serve a larger region, while smaller towns offer more basic goods and services (low-order functions) and serve a smaller region. The theory uses concepts like threshold (the minimum population needed to support a business) and range (the maximum distance people are willing to travel for a good or service).

Essentially, Central Place Theory helps us understand why cities are located where they are and how they interact with surrounding areas. It's a simplified model, but it provides a valuable framework for analyzing urban landscapes.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the term with its definition:

1. Term: Threshold
2. Term: Range
3. Term: Hinterland
4. Term: Central Place
5. Term: Low-Order Function

Definitions:

1. The area surrounding a central place that it serves.
2. A settlement that provides goods and services to its surrounding area.
3. The maximum distance people are willing to travel for a good or service.
4. A good or service that is obtained frequently and requires a small range.
5. The minimum population needed to support a business.

(Match the terms to the definitions. Answers are below.)

📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Central Place Theory was developed by __________. It explains the __________ and __________ of cities and towns. The theory assumes that consumers will purchase goods and services from the __________ central place. Larger cities offer __________-order functions, while smaller towns offer __________-order functions.

💡 Part C: Critical Thinking

How might advancements in technology and transportation affect the applicability of Central Place Theory in the 21st century? Provide specific examples.

Answer Key:

Part A:

1. Threshold - The minimum population needed to support a business.
2. Range - The maximum distance people are willing to travel for a good or service.
3. Hinterland - The area surrounding a central place that it serves.
4. Central Place - A settlement that provides goods and services to its surrounding area.
5. Low-Order Function - A good or service that is obtained frequently and requires a small range.

Part B:

Central Place Theory was developed by Walter Christaller. It explains the size and spacing of cities and towns. The theory assumes that consumers will purchase goods and services from the nearest central place. Larger cities offer high-order functions, while smaller towns offer low-order functions.