Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the best description of conduction?
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20. Heat and Temperature
Heat Transfer
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What accounts for the unequal distribution of heat between the equator and the poles?
A
The Earth's rotation causes more heat to be distributed to the poles.
B
The equator receives less sunlight due to its position relative to the sun.
C
The poles are closer to the sun, resulting in less heat absorption.
D
The curvature of the Earth causes sunlight to spread over a larger area at the poles.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the Earth is a sphere, which means sunlight does not hit all parts of the Earth equally.
Recognize that at the equator, sunlight strikes the Earth more directly, meaning the energy is concentrated over a smaller area, leading to higher temperatures.
At the poles, sunlight arrives at a more oblique angle due to the curvature of the Earth, spreading the same amount of energy over a larger area, resulting in less heat absorption per unit area.
Consider the Earth's axial tilt, which affects the angle at which sunlight strikes different parts of the Earth throughout the year, contributing to seasonal variations in temperature.
Conclude that the curvature of the Earth is the primary reason for the unequal distribution of heat, as it causes sunlight to be more concentrated at the equator and more dispersed at the poles.
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