If the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its plane of orbit was increased to 30 degrees, the seasons in Boston would become less distinct.

Question

Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)

Answer 1

False

Clarify Question
• What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        o This question addresses solar radiation.
• What type of thinking is required?
        o This question is asking you to analyze the information given, using logic, to dissect the problem and determine the answer.

Gather Content
• What do you already know about solar radiation?
        o A major reason for differences in solar radiation from place to place is the fact that Earth is a sphere, or nearly so. The tropics are particularly warm because the Sun's rays arrive almost perpendicular to the surface of the Earth in regions near the equator. Closer to the poles, the angle at which the Sun's rays strike, called the angle of incidence, spreads the solar energy out over more of the Earth's surface, providing less energy per unit of surface area.
        o The Earth's annual orbit around the Sun is also important. The axis of rotation of the Earth is not perpendicular to the plane in which the earth orbits the Sun. Because the axis is tilted by approximately 23.5°, a progression of seasons occurs on all parts of the Earth, especially at latitudes far from the equator. The northern hemisphere tilts toward the Sun during some months but away during others, giving rise to summer and winter; the farther away from the equator, the greater the difference between summer and winter.

Choose Answer
• Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        o If the tilt of the Earth increased, it would place Boston (and the Northern Hemisphere) further from the sun in the Winter and closer to the sun in Summer. This would result in more extreme seasons, not less.

Reflect on Process
• Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        o The question required you to analyze the information given, using logic, to dissect the problem and determine the answer.
        o Did you recognize that the seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis?