How is the temperature of a location determined by energy from the sun and the location’s distance from the equator?
The temperature of a location is determined by the amount of energy it receives from the sun, which is influenced by the location's distance from the equator.
Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to higher temperatures. This is because the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface more directly at the equator, causing more heat to be absorbed by the land and water. As a result, locations near the equator tend to have hotter temperatures.
On the other hand, areas farther away from the equator receive less direct sunlight, leading to lower temperatures. This is because the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface at a shallower angle, causing less heat to be absorbed. As a result, locations further from the equator tend to have cooler temperatures.
Overall, the distance of a location from the equator influences the amount of solar energy it receives, which in turn determines its temperature.