Question
Sunlight hits the Earth at an angle. As a result of the tilt of the Earth, some areas of the Earth receive more direct sunlight than others, which means they receive more solar energy. Which statement correctly describes how solar energy changes as latitude changes?
A.
Oceans and lakes receive more solar energy than land masses.
B.
The equator receives the least solar energy compared to any other latitude.
C.
The poles receive the most solar energy of all places on the Earth.
D.
Lower latitudes receive more solar energy than higher latitudes.
A.
Oceans and lakes receive more solar energy than land masses.
B.
The equator receives the least solar energy compared to any other latitude.
C.
The poles receive the most solar energy of all places on the Earth.
D.
Lower latitudes receive more solar energy than higher latitudes.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct statement is:
**D. Lower latitudes receive more solar energy than higher latitudes.**
This is because areas near the equator (lower latitudes) receive sunlight more directly throughout the year, leading to higher solar energy compared to areas near the poles (higher latitudes), where sunlight hits at a more oblique angle, spreading the energy over a larger area.
**D. Lower latitudes receive more solar energy than higher latitudes.**
This is because areas near the equator (lower latitudes) receive sunlight more directly throughout the year, leading to higher solar energy compared to areas near the poles (higher latitudes), where sunlight hits at a more oblique angle, spreading the energy over a larger area.