The cosine law states that it is when the sun's rays hit at 90 degrees to the surface - this is also "normal" to the surface/perpendicular to the surface.
Simple terms? When the sun is "overhead".
Different latitudes on Earth receive different amounts of solar energy because of the Earth's spherical shape and its tilted axis. The angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth varies, with higher latitudes receiving sunlight at a more oblique angle, spreading the energy over a larger surface area. This results in less solar energy reaching higher latitudes compared to lower latitudes, which receive sunlight more directly.
No, not all solar energy intercepted by the Earth arrives as oblique rays. Solar energy reaches the Earth in the form of parallel rays, but the angle at which these rays strike the surface varies based on the Earth's curvature and its axial tilt. This variation causes some regions to receive sunlight more directly (perpendicular rays) while others receive it at an angle (oblique rays). Consequently, the intensity of solar energy varies across different locations and times of the year.
explain how earh would be different if it did not receive solar energy
The polar regions receive the least solar energy due to their high latitudes and the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface. This leads to long periods of darkness during the polar winter, resulting in minimal solar energy reaching these areas.
The solar angle, which refers to the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth, significantly affects the intensity and amount of solar energy received at a given location. A higher solar angle means sunlight is more direct and concentrated, leading to increased solar energy absorption, while a lower angle results in more diffuse and less effective energy capture. This relationship is crucial for solar energy systems, as optimal positioning and tracking of solar panels can maximize energy production based on the solar angle throughout the day and year. Therefore, understanding the solar angle is essential for efficient solar energy utilization and design.
Different places on Earth receive varying amounts of solar energy due to factors such as the angle of sunlight hitting the surface, the length of the day, and the presence of clouds or atmospheric conditions that can affect sunlight absorption. The Earth's spherical shape also means that the equator receives more direct sunlight, leading to higher solar energy intensity compared to the poles.
The latitude of an area on Earth most influences the amount of solar energy it receives. Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and therefore more solar energy, while areas farther from the equator receive less direct sunlight and less solar energy. Other factors such as cloud cover, air pollution, and elevation can also affect the amount of solar energy received.
Solar angle refers to the angle at which the Sun's rays strike a surface. Beam spreading is the process by which a concentrated beam of light or energy spreads out as it moves away from its source, resulting in a wider area being illuminated or affected.
The equator receives the most solar radiation because sunlight strikes the Earth directly there, creating more intense heat and energy. This is due to the angle of the Earth's axial tilt and rotation.
Higher latitudes receive less solar radiation due to the angle at which the sunlight strikes the Earth's surface. At higher latitudes, the sun's rays hit the Earth at a lower angle, spreading the same amount of energy over a larger area. This results in lower intensity of sunlight and less solar radiation reaching those areas.
The three main influences on the input of solar energy to the Earth are the distance between the Earth and the Sun, the angle at which the sunlight reaches the Earth's surface (known as the solar angle), and the amount of atmosphere the sunlight has to travel through before reaching the Earth's surface. These factors determine the intensity and distribution of solar energy received by different parts of the Earth.
The Earth receives about 174 petawatts of solar energy from the sun. This energy is enough to power all human activity on the planet many times over.