How does the angle of insolation affect the rate of temperature change of a surface?

The sun shines on each part of the Earth for a certain amount of hours each day. However, some parts receive more radiant energy than other areas do. Because the Earth’s axis is tiled 23½ and the Earth is a sphere, the sun’s rays strike some areas at different angles. The angle for a given area is called the angle of insolation. In this investigation you will learn how the angles of the sun’s rays affect the temperature on Earth.

Angle of Insolation

Problem:How does the angle of insolation affect temperature?Materials:Stop watchThree Celsius thermometesHeat lampThree right triangular wooden blocksTape or Velcro

Predict what the temperatures will be for each thermometer when the lamp is lit?

30° angel will be ________°C60° angel will be ________°C90° angel will be ________°C

Smart Starts

Data Table

Graph

1. Why was it necessary to place all three thermometers the same distance from the light bulb?

2. Which thermometer received the most direct ways?3. Which thermometer heated to the highest

temperature?4. How would a lower angle of insolation affect the

maximum temperature of a surface?5. Describe the relationship between the angle of

insolation and temperature?6. How would the angle of insolation vary at any one place

from sunrise to sunset?

Review Results

Based on the picture to the right and the information you got from the angle of insolation, where on Earth would this location be?

Applying What We Learned

Based on the picture to the right and the information you got from the angle of insolation, where on Earth would this location be?

Applying What We Learned

Based on the picture to the right and the information you got from the angle of insolation, where on Earth would this location be?

Applying What We Learned