which explains the differences in the distribution of solar energy on earth surface?
a. Earths solar energy is dependent on air currents.
b. Earths climate system determines how much energy is absorbed from the sun.
c. Earths curve shape in till on its axis do not allow the suns rays to fall evenly on its surface.
d. Earths gravitational force pulls the sun rays away from the equator.
c. Earth's curve shape and tilt on its axis do not allow the sun's rays to fall evenly on its surface.
The distribution of solar energy on Earth's surface is influenced by various factors. These factors include:
1. Earth's solar energy is dependent on air currents (a): Air currents can affect the distribution of solar energy by redistributing heat across the planet. Winds and ocean currents can transport warm air and water from the equator towards the poles, helping to distribute solar energy more evenly.
2. Earth's climate system determines how much energy is absorbed from the sun (b): The climate system, including factors like clouds, greenhouse gases, and the Earth's albedo (reflectivity), can impact how much solar energy is absorbed or reflected by the atmosphere and surface. This can lead to variations in the distribution of solar energy.
3. Earth's curved shape and tilt on its axis do not allow the sun's rays to fall evenly on its surface (c): Due to Earth's spherical shape, the angle at which the sun's rays hit the surface varies depending on the latitude. This leads to a variation in the amount of solar energy received at different locations. Additionally, Earth's tilt on its axis causes seasonal variations in solar energy distribution.
4. Earth's gravitational force does not directly pull the sun rays away from the equator (d): Gravitational force does not significantly affect the distribution of solar energy. However, atmospheric circulation patterns, which are influenced by various factors including Earth's rotation and the unequal heating of the planet, can impact the distribution of heat and solar energy.
In summary, the distribution of solar energy on Earth's surface is influenced by factors such as air currents, the climate system, Earth's curved shape and tilt on its axis. Gravitational force does not directly affect solar energy distribution.
The correct answer is:
c. Earth's curved shape and tilt on its axis do not allow the sun's rays to fall evenly on its surface.
To explain the differences in the distribution of solar energy on Earth's surface, we need to consider factors like Earth's shape and its axial tilt.
Earth's shape: Earth is not a perfect sphere; it is an oblate spheroid. Due to its shape, the sun's rays do not fall evenly on its surface. The curvature of the Earth causes different angles of incidence for the sun's rays in different locations. Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight, while areas further away from the equator receive sunlight at an angle.
Axial tilt: Earth's tilted axis is another important factor. As Earth orbits the sun, the tilt of its axis remains constant, causing different latitudes to be exposed to varying amounts of solar radiation throughout the year. This tilt results in seasonal variations in solar energy distribution. During summer in one hemisphere, that hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, receiving more direct sunlight. In winter, the opposite hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, receiving less direct sunlight.
Option a, stating that Earth's solar energy is dependent on air currents, is not directly related to the distribution of solar energy. Air currents are formed due to differential heating caused by variations in the distribution of solar energy, but they do not cause these variations themselves.
Option b, stating that Earth's climate system determines how much energy is absorbed from the sun, is partially correct. Earth's climate system plays a role in how much solar energy is absorbed, scattered, or reflected by the atmosphere, land, and oceans. However, it does not explain the differences in the distribution of solar energy among different locations on Earth's surface.
Option d, stating that Earth's gravitational force pulls the sun rays away from the equator, is a misleading statement. Gravitational force does not affect the distribution of solar energy on Earth's surface.
Therefore, the correct explanation for the differences in the distribution of solar energy on Earth's surface is primarily due to Earth's curved shape and its axial tilt.