Question

Explain the central place theories relationship to size and distance between cities

A) Central place theory suggests that larger cities are located closer together to enhance connectivity.
B) According to central place theory, larger cities are spaced farther apart to accommodate diverse economic functions.
C) Central place theory proposes that city size is inversely proportional to the distance between them.
D) In central place theory, city size and distance are unrelated, emphasizing varied economic functions.

Answer 1

Central place theory suggests that larger cities are spaced farther apart to serve larger market areas and avoid overlapping economic functions, which reflects the idea of economies of scale in urban development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central place theory relates to the size and distance between cities by suggesting that larger cities are spaced farther apart to accommodate their extensive market areas and diverse economic functions. This theory, developed by geographer Walter Christaller, proposes an organized layout of cities, towns, and villages based on their function and the size of their market areas. Cities with situation advantages, like centrality to other places, tend to grow larger than others, similar to the idea of economies of scale in an urban context. The economies of scale concept notes that cities concentrate people and economic activities due to the efficiency and productivity of having a large group of nearby customers, along with a large pool of workers and suppliers.

According to this theory, the correct answer to the student's question is B) According to central place theory, larger cities are spaced farther apart to accommodate diverse economic functions. This spacing ensures that larger cities can service their hinterlands effectively without overlapping market areas, thus supporting a hierarchy of cities of different sizes catering to different levels of goods and services.