Why We Have Seasons

Question 1

A town located at 45° north latitude experiences its hottest month in July. Which explanation correctly describes why July is summer there, based on Earth’s axial tilt?

Accepted Answer

In July the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, so sunlight hits the town at a steeper angle and the days are longer, delivering more solar energy.

Answer

In July the Earth is at the closest point to the Sun in its orbit, so the town receives extra heat even though the tilt does not change.

Answer

In July the Sun appears higher because the Earth spins faster, giving the town more daylight hours.

Answer

In July the tilt makes the town farther from the Sun, but a thicker layer of atmosphere traps extra heat.

Question 2

When the Moon appears fully illuminated from Earth (a full moon), which arrangement of the Sun, Earth, and Moon is correct?

Accepted Answer

The Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of Earth.

Answer

The Moon is between the Sun and Earth.

Answer

The Sun, Earth, and Moon form a right angle with Earth at the vertex.

Answer

The Moon reflects its own light toward Earth.

Question 3

Which statement best explains why the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer while the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter at the same time?

Accepted Answer

The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, so it receives more direct sunlight and longer daylight hours.

Answer

The Moon reflects extra sunlight onto the Northern Hemisphere during its summer months, warming it.

Answer

The Earth is nearer to the Sun during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, so it gets more heat.

Answer

The Earth spins faster on its axis during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, increasing the amount of solar energy received.

Try three questions

A town located at 45° north latitude experiences its hottest month in July. Which explanation correctly describes why July is summer there, based on Earth’s axial tilt?

When the Moon appears fully illuminated from Earth (a full moon), which arrangement of the Sun, Earth, and Moon is correct?

Which statement best explains why the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer while the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter at the same time?

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