Lesson eLearning

Which of the following statements correctly explains why the Earth receives less solar energy at higher latitudes?

hard MCQ 4 marks Class 6 · Geography · The Earth in the Solar System
  1. The Sun’s rays strike the Earth at a steeper angle.
  2. The Sun’s rays are more intense at higher latitudes.
  3. The Earth’s surface is cooler at higher latitudes.
  4. The Earth’s atmosphere is thicker at higher latitudes.
Answer
The Sun’s rays strike the Earth at a steeper angle.

The correct answer is The Sun’s rays strike the Earth at a steeper angle. — Ignore other factors such as atmospheric thickness or surface temperature which do not directly affect incident solar energy.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Recall that solar energy per unit area decreases as the angle of incidence becomes steeper.
  2. Understand that at higher latitudes the Sun’s rays travel a longer atmospheric path, spreading over a larger area.
  3. Note that the same amount of solar energy is distributed over a bigger surface area, reducing intensity per unit area.
  4. Conclude that the steeper angle is the main reason for lower solar energy reception at higher latitudes.
  5. Ignore other factors such as atmospheric thickness or surface temperature which do not directly affect incident solar energy.
Common mistake: Confusing angle with intensity or atmospheric thickness

Concept tested: Solar energy distribution with latitude

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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