Question
The earth is closer to the sun in January than July. Select all the reasons why it is colder across the Northern Hemisphere during January than during July. The days (i.e., hours of day light) are shorter in the Northern Hemisphere in January than July. The North Pole is tilted away from the Sun in January and toward the Sun in July. The angle of incidence is greater in January than it is in July. The Sun's energy is less concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere in January than July.
Ask by Dickson Guerrero. in the United States
Feb 02,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Colder temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere during January are due to shorter daylight hours, the Earth's tilt away from the Sun, and less concentrated sunlight.
Solution
The colder temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere during January compared to July are primarily due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and the resulting variations in sunlight exposure. Here's a breakdown of each statement:
1. **The days (i.e., hours of daylight) are shorter in the Northern Hemisphere in January than July.**
- **Correct.** Shorter daylight hours mean less time for the sun to warm the region, contributing to colder temperatures.
2. **The North Pole is tilted away from the Sun in January and toward the Sun in July.**
- **Correct.** The axial tilt causes the Northern Hemisphere to receive less direct sunlight in January, leading to colder weather, and more direct sunlight in July, resulting in warmer temperatures.
3. **The angle of incidence is greater in January than it is in July.**
- **Incorrect.** In reality, the angle of incidence is **less** direct (smaller) in January, meaning sunlight hits the Earth at a lower angle, spreading the energy over a larger area and reducing warmth.
4. **The Sun's energy is less concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere in January than July.**
- **Correct.** Due to the lower angle of sunlight and shorter days, the energy from the sun is spread over a larger area and is less concentrated, leading to cooler temperatures.
**Therefore, the correct reasons are:**
- The days (i.e., hours of day light) are shorter in the Northern Hemisphere in January than July.
- The North Pole is tilted away from the Sun in January and toward the Sun in July.
- The Sun's energy is less concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere in January than July.
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Extra Insights
The North Pole's tilt away from the Sun in January is like having a giant umbrella blocking most of the sunlight from warming the northern regions. This tilt significantly reduces the intensity of sunlight during winter months, leading to colder temperatures. Moreover, in January, the shorter days mean less time for the Sun to warm the Earth. With fewer daylight hours, there’s not enough time for the sunlight to heat the surface effectively, making those winter days feel quite frigid compared to the long, sunlit days of July!