Solar Incidence

on about June 21st, the vertical rays of the sun fall on 23.5 degrees north latitude (Tropic of Cancer) and the duration, insolation, and angle of incidence are greatest for most of the Norther Hemisphere.

• summer solstice

• winter solstice

• solar noon

• apparent motion

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

On about December 21st, the vertical rays of the sun fall on 23.5 degrees south latitude (Tropic of Capricorn) and the duration, insolation, and angle of incidence are greatest for the Southern Hemisphere.

• winter solstice

• summer solstice

• revolution

• rotation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Rays of sunlight (insolation) that strike Earth at an angle of 90 degrees; also called direct rays

• vertical rays

• equinox

• apparent solar day

• altitude

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

the time at which the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at any fixed location

• solar noon

• solstices

• vertical rays

• polaris

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the angle of solar incidence when the sun is directly overhead at the equator during an equinox?

• 0 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 90 degrees

• 180 degrees

Which factor does NOT affect the angle of solar incidence on Earth's surface?

• Time of day

• Latitude

• Altitude

• Longitude

During which event is the angle of solar incidence at the Tropic of Cancer the greatest?

• Winter solstice

• Summer solstice

• Autumnal equinox

• Vernal equinox

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How does the angle of solar incidence affect the intensity of solar energy received at a location?

• Higher angle, less intensity

• Lower angle, more intensity

• Higher angle, more intensity

• Angle does not affect intensity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the primary reason for the variation in solar incidence angles throughout the year?

• Earth's rotation

• Earth's axial tilt

• Earth's distance from the sun

• Earth's magnetic field

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which instrument is used to measure the angle of solar incidence?

• Thermometer

• Barometer

• Sextant

• Anemometer