Globe vs. Sphere: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A globe is a three-dimensional representation of Earth, while a sphere is a perfectly round three-dimensional shape.
Key Differences
A globe is a scale model of Earth, representing continents, oceans, and geographic features, while a sphere is a geometric shape, perfectly round in all directions, not necessarily representing anything specific.
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Nov 19, 2023
Globes are often used in education and navigation, providing a realistic view of Earth's surface, whereas spheres are abstract, used in mathematics and physics to discuss properties of round objects.
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Nov 19, 2023
The globe is specific in its representation, showing Earth's unique topography and political boundaries, while a sphere is a general concept, applicable to any round object, like a ball.
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Globes serve a practical purpose in understanding Earth's geography and political boundaries, while spheres are often theoretical, important in discussions of geometry and physics.
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The construction of a globe involves geographical accuracy and detail, focusing on Earth, while the concept of a sphere is more about its shape and symmetry, with no reference to real-world objects.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A model of Earth, showing continents and oceans.
A perfectly round 3D shape in geometry.
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Purpose
Educational, geographical representation.
Abstract concept in mathematics and physics.
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Physical Characteristics
Accurate geographical features.
Uniformly round with no distinct features.
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Usage
In education, navigation, and geography.
In theoretical discussions and calculations.
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Globe and Sphere Definitions
Globe
A spherical body representing the earth in miniature.
The antique globe in the library was a beautiful art piece.
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Sphere
A perfectly round three-dimensional shape.
The artist sculpted a perfect sphere from marble.
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Globe
A spherical model of Earth.
The teacher spun the globe to show us where Australia is.
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Nov 19, 2023
Sphere
A round object, especially one without distinct features.
The children played with spheres made of clay.
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Globe
A round object representing Earth's surface.
He had a small globe on his desk that lit up.
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Sphere
(Mathematics) A three-dimensional surface, all points of which are equidistant from a fixed point.
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Globe
A map in the shape of a sphere.
The globe in the classroom showed different countries in color.
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Nov 19, 2023
Globe
A body with the shape of a sphere, especially a representation of the earth in the form of a hollow ball.
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Sphere
The sky, appearing as a hemisphere to an observer
The sphere of the heavens.
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Sphere
Any of a series of concentric, transparent, revolving globes that together were once thought to contain the moon, sun, planets, and stars.
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Globe
A spherical or bowllike container, especially a glass cover for a light bulb.
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Oct 19, 2023
Sphere
A range or extent of knowledge, interest, or activity
A problem that falls within the sphere of biophysics.
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Sphere
A social level or part of society or group
Knew few people beyond his partner's sphere.
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Globe
Any spherical (or nearly spherical) object.
The globe of the eye; the globe of a lamp
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Sphere
(mathematics) A regular three-dimensional object in which every cross-section is a circle; the figure described by the revolution of a circle about its diameter . Category:en:Surfaces
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Globe
A circular military formation used in Ancient Rome, corresponding to the modern infantry square.
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Sphere
The apparent outer limit of space; the edge of the heavens, imagined as a hollow globe within which celestial bodies appear to be embedded.
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Sphere
Any of the concentric hollow transparent globes formerly believed to rotate around the Earth, and which carried the heavenly bodies; there were originally believed to be eight, and later nine and ten; friction between them was thought to cause a harmonious sound (the music of the spheres).
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Sphere
(mythology) An area of activity for a planet; or by extension, an area of influence for a god, hero etc.
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Sphere
(figuratively) The region in which something or someone is active; one's province, domain.
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Sphere
(geometry) The set of all points in three-dimensional Euclidean space (or n-dimensional space, in topology) that are a fixed distance from a fixed point .
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Sphere
(logic) The extension of a general conception, or the totality of the individuals or species to which it may be applied.
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Globe
A round or spherical body, solid or hollow; a body whose surface is in every part equidistant from the center; a ball; a sphere.
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Sphere
(transitive) To place in a sphere, or among the spheres; to ensphere.
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Globe
Anything which is nearly spherical or globular in shape; as, the globe of the eye; the globe of a lamp.
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Globe
The earth; the terraqueous ball; - usually preceded by the definite article.
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Sphere
A body or space contained under a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point within called its center.
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Globe
A round model of the world; a spherical representation of the earth or heavens; as, a terrestrial or celestial globe; - called also artificial globe.
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Sphere
Hence, any globe or globular body, especially a celestial one, as the sun, a planet, or the earth.
Of celestial bodies, first the sun,A mighty sphere, he framed.
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Globe
A body of troops, or of men or animals, drawn up in a circle; - a military formation used by the Romans, answering to the modern infantry square.
Him roundA globe of fiery seraphim inclosed.
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Sphere
The apparent surface of the heavens, which is assumed to be spherical and everywhere equally distant, in which the heavenly bodies appear to have their places, and on which the various astronomical circles, as of right ascension and declination, the equator, ecliptic, etc., are conceived to be drawn; an ideal geometrical sphere, with the astronomical and geographical circles in their proper positions on it.
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Sphere
The extension of a general conception, or the totality of the individuals or species to which it may be applied.
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Globe
The 3rd planet from the sun; the planet on which we live;
The Earth moves around the sun
He sailed around the world
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Sphere
Circuit or range of action, knowledge, or influence; compass; province; employment; place of existence.
To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen to move in 't.
Taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and inclosing her in a sphere by herself.
Each in his hidden sphere of joy or woeOur hermit spirits dwell.
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Oct 19, 2023
Globe
A spherical representation used for geographical study.
Students gathered around the globe during the geography lesson.
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Sphere
To place in a sphere, or among the spheres; to insphere.
The glorious planet SolIn noble eminence enthroned and spheredAmidst the other.
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Sphere
A particular environment or walk of life;
His social sphere is limited
It was a closed area of employment
He's out of my orbit
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Sphere
A particular aspect of life or activity;
He was helpless in an important sector of his life
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Sphere
A solid figure bounded by a spherical surface (including the space it encloses)
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Sphere
A three-dimensional closed surface such that every point on the surface is equidistant from the center
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Sphere
The apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
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Sphere
A solid figure where every point on the surface is an equal distance from the center.
The model of the atom showed electrons orbiting around the nucleus in a sphere.
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Sphere
A geometric shape representing roundness.
In mathematics, we learned how to calculate the volume of a sphere.
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Sphere
A three-dimensional object where all surface points are equidistant from its center.
The glassblower's skill was evident in the flawless sphere he created.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are all globes the same size?
No, globes come in various sizes, from small desktop models to large display pieces.
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Is a globe always geographically accurate?
Most globes aim to be geographically accurate, but some may be stylized or simplified.
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What is a globe?
A globe is a three-dimensional model of Earth, showing continents, oceans, and sometimes geopolitical boundaries.
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Nov 19, 2023
What is a sphere?
A sphere is a geometric shape that is perfectly round and symmetrical in all directions.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can a sphere represent objects other than Earth?
Yes, a sphere can represent any round object, not just Earth.
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Are spheres used in mathematics?
Yes, spheres are a fundamental concept in geometry and mathematics.
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Is a sphere always solid?
No, a sphere can be solid or hollow, as long as it maintains its round shape.
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Do globes show Earth's rotation?
Some globes are designed to rotate, simulating Earth's rotation.
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Can a sphere have different colors?
Yes, a sphere can be of any color, depending on its material and purpose.
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How is a sphere different from a circle?
A sphere is three-dimensional, while a circle is a two-dimensional shape.
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Can a globe be digital?
Yes, there are digital globes available in various software and online platforms.
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Are antique globes valuable?
Yes, antique globes can be valuable, especially those with historical significance.
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Are there globes of planets other than Earth?
Yes, there are globes of other planets like Mars, but they are less common than Earth globes.
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Are spheres used in physics?
Yes, spheres are used in physics to model particles, celestial bodies, and other round objects.
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What materials are spheres made of?
Spheres can be made of various materials, from metals and plastics to natural elements like stone.
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Is the sphere a natural shape in nature?
Yes, spheres are commonly found in nature, like in planets, droplets, and some fruits.
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Do globes have a specific scale?
Yes, globes are often made to a specific scale to accurately represent Earth's size.
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Can a globe be interactive?
Yes, some globes are interactive, with features like light-up cities or augmented reality.
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Are globes used for navigation?
Historically, globes were used for navigation, but now they are more educational.
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Do spheres have to be perfectly round?
In geometry, spheres are perfectly round, but in practical use, they can have slight imperfections.
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Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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