The solar energy that reaches a given unit of Earth's surface depends primarily on
A) the angle of the sun's rays.
B) the moisture content of the air.
C) the amount of cloud cover.
D) the strength of the winds.
E) day length.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angle of the sun's rays determines the intensity of solar energy that reaches the Earth's surface. When the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface at a high angle (near the equator), the energy is more intense than when they hit at a low angle (near the poles). Moisture content of air, the amount of cloud cover, strength of winds, and day length can affect the amount of solar energy that reaches a specific location but the primary factor is the angle of the sun's rays.

The Solar Energy That Reaches a Given Unit of Earth's