1. Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons
Chapter 2
Solar Energy to Earth and the Seasons
Robert W. Christopherson
Tim Schultz

2. Review: Wavelength and Frequency
Which relationship is correct?
shorter wavelengths : less energy
longer wavelengths : lower frequency
shorter wavelengths : lower frequency
longer wavelengths : more energy
Answer: B

3. Review: Insolation Which of the following statements is incorrect?
Earth’s surface receives more direct radiation at low latitudes than at the poles.
The Sun’s rays are less powerful at the poles because they are farther away.
Solar energy received at the top of the atmosphere is inversely related to latitude.
For an object the size of Earth, the Sun’s rays can be considered parallel.
Answer: B

4. Review: Seasons Which of the following vary with increasing latitude?
increasing daylength in summer
decreasing daylength in winter
decreasing insolation with decreasing sun angle
decreasing noon sun angle
Answer: D

5. Review: Seasons
Over the course of one year, the Sun’s altitude migrates through 47 degrees
everywhere on Earth.
in the Northern Hemisphere.
at the Equator.
only at the Tropics (23.5° N and S).
Answer: A

6. Review: Reasons for Seasons
Which of the following is incorrect regarding the seasons?
Earth’s orbit takes the northern hemisphere closer to the Sun during summer and farther away during the winter.
Earth’s axis is pointed toward the same spot in space throughout the year.
Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5° away from the plane of the ecliptic.
Earth rotates about its axis once every 24 hours, creating days and nights of varying length at varying latitudes.
Answer: A