Question

Changes in daylength and the Sun's altitude above the horizon over the course of the year are primarily caused by:

A) Earth's distance from the Sun
B) Earth's axial tilt
C) Earth's rotation speed
D) Earth's elliptical orbit

Answer 1

The changes in daylength and the altitude of the Sun are caused by Earth's axial tilt, approximately 23.5 degrees, which leads to seasonal variations as the Earth orbits the Sun. So, the correct answer is option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The changes in daylength and the Sun's altitude above the horizon over the course of the year are primarily caused by Earth's axial tilt. The Earth is tilted on its axis by approximately 23.5°, which results in varying angles of sunlight as the Earth orbits around the Sun.

During the summer solstice, the tilt causes the Sun to appear higher in the sky, leading to longer days and more direct sunlight, while during the winter solstice, the Sun is lower and the days are shorter. The varying daylight hours and the angle at which the Sun's rays hit the Earth are the reason we experience seasons. So, the correct answer is option b.