Question

part (b)
the point on earths surface directly \below\ the sun - that is, where the sun passes through the point directly overhead at local noon - is called the \subsolar point\ and is indicated on the simulation as a small yellow circle on earths surface. this can also be thought of as the point where sunlight is the most concentrated at local noon. as you drag the date slider along the entire calendar, notice how the latitude of the subsolar point changes.
which factor best explains why the subsolar point only reaches certain latitude limits?
our planets axis is tilted at an angle that changes over the course of one year.
the moon pulls the sun up and down over time.
the atmosphere refracts the suns image, making it appear at the zenith at different latitudes.
earth orbits the sun, rather than the sun orbiting the earth.
our planets axis is tilted at a fixed angle.
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Explanation:

The Earth's axis has a fixed tilt of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This fixed - tilt is what causes the subsolar point to only reach certain latitudes (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn). The other options are incorrect as the Earth's axis tilt doesn't change over a year, the Moon doesn't pull the Sun up and down, atmospheric refraction isn't the main cause for the subsolar point's latitudinal limits, and the fact that Earth orbits the Sun doesn't directly explain the subsolar point's latitudinal limits.

Answer:

Our planet's axis is tilted at a fixed angle.