Question

1. the suns energy warms the earth more at the equator than at the poles. which of the following best explains why?

a. sunlight is less spread out near the equator.
b. sunlight is more spread out near the equator.
c. the equator lacks ice, which reflects the suns energy.
d. the equator has more of a curved surface than the poles.

Explanation:

The Earth is spherical. At the equator, sunlight hits the Earth more directly (angle of incidence is smaller), so the sunlight is less spread out over a given area. This means more solar energy per unit area, leading to warmer temperatures. At the poles, sunlight hits at a more oblique angle, spreading the same amount of solar energy over a larger area. Option C is incorrect as the main reason is not about ice (though ice - albedo feedback exists but is secondary here). Option D is wrong because the Earth is a sphere and the curvature is not the main factor in this energy - distribution difference. Option B is the opposite of the correct phenomenon.

Answer:

A. Sunlight is less spread out near the equator.