Question

question 1 (multiple choice worth 3 points) oss.05 look at alaska and florida on the world map shown below. public domain which of these statements best explains why the difference between summer and winter temperatures is greater in alaska than in florida? alaska is larger in size and gets heated faster by the sun’s rays and cooled faster by the ocean currents. alaska has colder winters and warmer summers because it is in the northern hemisphere. florida has moderate temperature throughout the year because it is surrounded by the ocean. florida receives more direct rays of the sun throughout the year because it is closer to the equator.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Size and heating/cooling speed related to ocean currents don't explain the temperature difference between Alaska and Florida. Alaska's size isn't the key factor here, and the ocean current reasoning is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: Being in the northern hemisphere doesn't explain why Alaska has a greater temperature difference. Florida is also in the northern hemisphere.
3. Analyze Option 3: While Florida is surrounded by ocean, the main reason for its moderate temperature is its latitude (closer to the equator) rather than just being surrounded by ocean. This option doesn't directly explain the comparison with Alaska.
4. Analyze Option 4: Florida is closer to the equator, so it receives more direct sun rays throughout the year. This leads to less variation in temperature between summer and winter. Alaska is farther from the equator, so the angle of sun rays changes more between seasons, leading to a greater temperature difference. This option correctly explains the phenomenon.

Answer:

D. Florida receives more direct rays of the sun throughout the year because it is closer to the equator.