Write a hypothesis for Section 2 of the lab, which is about the effect of the angle of insolation on the amount of heat a material absorbs. Use the format “if . . . then . . . because . . .” and be sure to answer this part of the lesson question: “What factors influence the absorption of sunlight at Earth’s surface?”

Hypothesis:

If the angle of insolation increases, then the amount of heat absorbed by a material will also increase, because the angle of insolation affects the intensity of the sunlight.

Supporting Explanation:

Solar Angles:

The angle at which the sun’s rays strike an object, also known as insolation, is important when calculating the amount of heat absorbed. When the sun’s rays strike an object directly, the angle is said to be zero, and the intensity is at its highest. As the angle of insolation increases, the intensity of the sunlight decreases.

Heat Absorption:

Heat absorption depends on the amount of energy the material can receive from the sun’s rays. The angle of insolation affects the intensity of the sunlight, and therefore the amount of energy the material can receive. The more energy the material can receive, the more heat it can absorb.

Earth’s Surface:

The angle of insolation also affects the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface. As the angle of insolation increases, the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface decreases. This in turn affects the amount of heat that is absorbed by the surface.

Factors Influencing Absorption:

The angle of insolation is one of the main factors that influence the absorption of sunlight at Earth’s surface. Other factors that influence the absorption of sunlight include the type of material, the color of the material, and the amount of moisture in the air.

Related Questions:

• What is the angle of insolation?
• How does the angle of insolation affect the amount of heat absorbed?
• How does the type of material affect the amount of heat absorbed?
• What is the intensity of the sunlight?
• How does the color of a material affect the amount of heat absorbed?
• What is the role of moisture in the absorption of sunlight?
• How does the angle of insolation affect the amount of sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface?
• What is the role of clouds in the absorption of sunlight?
• What is the difference between direct and indirect sunlight?
• What other factors influence the absorption of sunlight at Earth’s surface?