What causes the difference in the amount of sun's heat energy received by the North pole and the equator?(1 point)
Responses
the amount of surface area
the amount of surface area
the distance of Earth from the Sun
the distance of Earth from the Sun
the motion of Earth through its orbit
the motion of Earth through its orbit
the rotation of Earth on its axis
The correct answer is "the amount of surface area." The difference in the amount of sun's heat energy received by the North pole and the equator is primarily caused by the amount of surface area.
To understand this, consider that the Earth is a sphere, and the Sun's rays hit it at an angle. The amount of surface area directly exposed to the Sun's rays determines the intensity of the heat energy received at a particular location.
At the equator, the Sun's rays hit the Earth more directly, spreading over a smaller surface area. Therefore, the heat energy per unit area is higher, resulting in warmer temperatures.
On the other hand, at the North pole, the Sun's rays hit the Earth at a significant angle. This causes the Sun's energy to spread over a larger surface area, reducing the heat energy per unit area. Consequently, the North pole receives less heat energy from the Sun, resulting in colder temperatures.
While factors like the distance of Earth from the Sun, the motion of Earth through its orbit, and the rotation of Earth on its axis influence various aspects of Earth's climate, they do not directly cause the significant difference in heat energy received between the North pole and the equator.