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All questions of Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature for Humanities/Arts Exam

The envelop of the air is called _________
  • a)
    Atmosphere
  • b)
    Troposphere
  • c)
    Stratosphere
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

ATMOSPHERE is the correct answer.
The envelope of air around the earth is called ATMOSPHERE.
This is called atmosphere. The force of gravity holds this atmosphere near the earth.
I hope you got your answer

In which one of the following cities, are the days the longest in Summar?
  • a)
    Chandigarh.
  • b)
    Hyderabad.
  • c)
    Thiruvananthapuram.
  • d)
    Nagpur.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Vijay Kumar answered
In summer (March to September), in the northern hemisphere, as we move northwards, the length of the day increases. But in winter (September to March) the length of the night increases as we move northwards. since Chandigarh is northernmost among the options

Insolation refers to ________
  • a)
    Wind direction
  • b)
    Solar radiation
  • c)
    Precipitation
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ræjû Bhæï answered
Solar radiation is radiant energy emitted by the sun from a nuclear fusion reaction that creates electromagnetic energy. The spectrum of solar radiation is close to that of a black body with a temperature of about 5800 K. About half of the radiation is in the visible short-wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Higher latitudes are not permanently frozen because of
  • a)
    Presence of warm and cold currents
  • b)
    very less insolation
  • c)
    redistribution of surplus heat energy pole wards from tropics
  • d)
    Local aspects
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
There is a surplus of net radiation balance between 40 degrees north and south and the regions near the poles have a deficit. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed pole wards and as a result the tropics do not get progressively heated up due to the accumulation of excess heat or the high latitudes get permanently frozen due to excess deficit.

The heat energy absorbed by a known area in a fixed time is determined with the help of an instrument called
  • a)
    Psychrometer
  • b)
    Pyrheliometer
  • c)
    Thermometric well
  • d)
    Any instrument
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ræjû Bhæï answered
A pyrheliometer is an instrument for measurement of direct beam solar irradiance. Sunlight enters the instrument through a window and is directed onto a thermopile which converts heat to an electrical signal that can be recorded. The signal voltage is converted via a formula to measure watts per square metre.

The sun is vertically over head at noon on 21st June at
  • a)
    the equator.
  • b)
    23.5 degree N.
  • c)
    23.5 degree S.
  • d)
    66.5 degree N.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Jhanvi Joshi answered
Explanation:

The position of the sun in the sky changes throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. On 21st June, the sun is directly overhead at noon at a specific location on Earth.

Equator:

At the equator, the sun is overhead twice a year, during the equinoxes. On 21st June, the sun is not directly overhead at the equator, but rather it is at its northernmost point in the sky.

23.5 degree S:

At 23.5 degrees south latitude, the sun is directly overhead at noon on 21st December, during the southern hemisphere's summer solstice. On 21st June, the sun is at its southernmost point in the sky.

66.5 degree N:

At 66.5 degrees north latitude, the sun is directly overhead at noon on 21st June, during the northern hemisphere's summer solstice. This is the point located within the Arctic Circle.

23.5 degree N:

At 23.5 degrees north latitude, the sun is directly overhead at noon on 21st June, during the northern hemisphere's summer solstice. This is the Tropic of Cancer, and it is the correct answer to the question.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option B, 23.5 degree N, as this is the Tropic of Cancer, where the sun is directly overhead at noon on 21st June, during the northern hemisphere's summer solstice.

Angle made by the rays of the sun on the earth surface is called the :
  • a)
    angle of incidence
  • b)
    albedo of the earth
  • c)
    angle of the earth
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Jayant answered
Our earth is 23.5degree inclined (you can see globe) That's why the Sun rays fall on the equatorial area. And rays made angle of incidence.

Differences in pressure on the earth surface causes:
  • a)
    Winds
  • b)
    Precipitation
  • c)
    Hail
  • d)
    Seasons
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Introduction
Differences in pressure on the Earth's surface play a crucial role in shaping the weather patterns and climate systems we experience. The primary effect of these pressure differences is the generation of winds.
How Pressure Differences Create Winds
- High Pressure vs. Low Pressure: Winds are created when air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. This movement occurs because the atmosphere seeks equilibrium, balancing pressure differences.
- Coriolis Effect: The rotation of the Earth affects wind patterns. As air moves, it is deflected due to the Coriolis effect, making winds curve rather than flow directly from high to low pressure. This results in prevailing wind patterns.
Role of Winds in Weather Systems
- Transport of Air Masses: Winds carry air masses with different temperatures and humidity levels across regions, influencing local weather conditions.
- Influence on Climate: Over time, consistent wind patterns contribute to the climate of different areas, such as tropical, arid, or temperate climates.
Conclusion
While winds are directly caused by pressure differences, precipitation, hail, and seasons are secondary phenomena influenced by wind patterns. Understanding winds is fundamental to grasping how atmospheric processes operate, making it the correct answer to the question posed.

The sun is vertically over head at noon on 21st June at
  • a)
    the equator.
  • b)
    23.5 degree N.
  • c)
    23.5 degree S.
  • d)
    66.5 degree N.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Jayant answered
Due to inclination and revolution of Earth, the Sun rays fall on Tropic of Cancer(23.5 degree N) on 21st June and after it Sun reach to Tropic of Capricorn(23.5 degree S) on 22nd December. This is the reason for summer in June and Winter in December.

Differences in pressure on the earth surface causes:
  • a)
    Winds
  • b)
    Precipitation
  • c)
    Hail
  • d)
    Seasons
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sameer Malik answered
Pressure Differences and Wind

Pressure Differences:
Pressure is defined as the force exerted per unit area. On the earth's surface, the pressure is created by the weight of the atmosphere above it. The pressure at any point on the earth's surface varies due to a number of factors such as altitude, temperature, and humidity.

Wind:
Wind is the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. The greater the difference in pressure, the stronger the wind will be. Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the earth's surface by the sun.

Effect of Pressure Differences on Wind:
When there is a difference in pressure between two points on the earth's surface, air will flow from the high-pressure area to the low-pressure area. This flow of air is what we call wind. The greater the difference in pressure, the stronger the wind will be.

Examples:
Some examples of how pressure differences cause wind include:

- Sea Breeze: During the day, the land heats up faster than the water, causing the air above the land to rise. This creates a low-pressure area over the land. At the same time, there is a high-pressure area over the cooler water. Air flows from the high-pressure area over the water to the low-pressure area over the land, creating a sea breeze.

- Mountain Breeze: At night, the opposite happens. The land cools down faster than the air above it, creating a high-pressure area over the land. The air above the warmer valley rises, creating a low-pressure area. Air flows from the high-pressure area over the land to the low-pressure area over the valley, creating a mountain breeze.

- Cyclones: Large-scale pressure differences can also cause cyclones, which are areas of low pressure with strong winds that rotate around a center. Cyclones can be caused by a number of factors, including differences in temperature and humidity.

In conclusion, pressure differences on the earth's surface cause winds, which are the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. The greater the difference in pressure, the stronger the wind will be.

Which of the following causes inversion of temperature in mountainous regions?
  • a)
    Due to air drainage
  • b)
    Due to dust particles
  • c)
    Due to gravitation
  • d)
    Due to water vapours.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Arjun Kumar answered
Inversion of Temperature in Mountainous Regions

In mountainous regions, the phenomenon of temperature inversion occurs due to air drainage. Temperature inversion refers to a condition where the normal decrease in temperature with increasing altitude is reversed, resulting in a layer of warm air being trapped above a layer of cooler air. This phenomenon has various impacts on the local climate and atmospheric conditions.

Causes of Temperature Inversion in Mountainous Regions:

- Air Drainage: The primary cause of temperature inversion in mountainous regions is air drainage. During the day, the sun heats the slopes of the mountains, causing the air in contact with the surface to warm up. As the warmed air rises, it creates a vertical circulation pattern in the atmosphere. However, during the night, the slopes cool down rapidly, causing the air near the surface to cool as well. This cooler air is denser than the air above it and tends to drain downslope, accumulating in the valleys and lower elevations. As a result, a layer of cold air forms near the surface, while warmer air is present at higher elevations, leading to temperature inversion.

Impacts of Temperature Inversion:

- Temperature Gradient: Temperature inversion leads to a vertical temperature gradient, where the temperature increases with height instead of the normal decrease. This can have significant effects on the local climate, vegetation, and atmospheric stability.

- Smog and Air Pollution: Temperature inversion can trap pollutants, such as smoke, dust, and industrial emissions, close to the ground. The layer of warm air acts as a lid, preventing the dispersion of pollutants and resulting in the formation of smog. This can have detrimental effects on air quality and human health.

- Frost and Freezing Conditions: Temperature inversion can also lead to the development of frost and freezing conditions in the valleys and lower elevations. As the cold air drains downslope, it settles in low-lying areas, causing temperatures to drop below freezing. This can affect agriculture, vegetation, and water resources.

- Cloud Formation: Temperature inversion can influence cloud formation and distribution. The stable layer of warm air acts as a barrier, preventing the vertical movement of air and inhibiting the development of convective clouds. This can result in the persistence of low-level clouds or fog in the valleys.

- Wind Patterns: Temperature inversion can disrupt the normal wind patterns in mountainous regions. The inversion layer acts as a barrier to the vertical movement of air, leading to a decrease in vertical mixing and reduced wind speeds. This can impact local weather patterns and the dispersion of pollutants.

In conclusion, temperature inversion in mountainous regions is primarily caused by air drainage, where cooler air drains downslope and accumulates in valleys and lower elevations. This phenomenon has various impacts on the local climate, air quality, cloud formation, and wind patterns.

Solar radiation received at any point of earth is called ______________
  • a)
    Insolation
  • b)
    Beam Radiation
  • c)
    Diffuse Radiation
  • d)
    Infrared rays
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lohit Matani answered
Solar radiation received at any point on Earth is referred to as:
  • Insolation: This is the total amount of solar energy received on a given surface area during a specific time.
  • Beam Radiation: This refers to the direct sunlight that reaches the Earth without being scattered.
  • Diffuse Radiation: This is sunlight that has been scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere, resulting in softer, indirect light.
  • Infrared Rays: These are a type of radiant energy emitted by the sun, but they are not the total solar radiation received on Earth.
Among these terms, insolation is the most comprehensive, encompassing both direct and diffuse solar radiation received at the surface.

The main reason that the earth experiences highest temperatures in the subtropics in the Northern Hemisphere rather than at the equator is :
  • a)
    Subtropical areas tend to have less cloud cover than equatorial areas.
  • b)
    Subtropical areas have longer day hours in the summer than the equatorial.
  • c)
    Subtropical areas have an enhanced "green house effect" compared to equatorial areas.
  • d)
    Subtropical areas are nearer to the oceanic areas than the equatorial locations.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Milan Das answered
Greenhouse effect due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases and human activities such as urbanization and deforestation. This leads to higher temperatures in these regions compared to the equator. Additionally, subtropical regions are often located closer to large land masses, which can also contribute to higher temperatures due to the heat absorption and retention properties of land.

On what day the earth is nearest to the sun?
  • a)
    21st June
  • b)
    23rd December
  • c)
    3rd January
  • d)
    21st July
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Soumya Bose answered
**Nearest Day to the Sun: 3rd January**

The Earth orbits around the Sun in an elliptical path, rather than a perfect circle. This means that the distance between the Earth and the Sun varies throughout the year. The point in the Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun is called perihelion, and the point where it is farthest is called aphelion.

**Earth's Orbit and Seasons**
The Earth's orbit plays a crucial role in determining the seasons we experience. As the Earth orbits around the Sun, its axis is tilted, causing different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons.

- **Summer Solstice and Aphelion**
The summer solstice occurs around June 21st, and it marks the longest day and the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Contrary to intuition, this is actually the time when the Earth is farthest from the Sun, known as aphelion. During aphelion, the Earth is about 3.1 million miles (5 million kilometers) farther away from the Sun compared to perihelion.

- **Winter Solstice and Perihelion**
The winter solstice takes place around December 21st, and it marks the shortest day and the start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Surprisingly, during this time, the Earth is closest to the Sun, known as perihelion. The Earth is about 3.1 million miles (5 million kilometers) closer to the Sun during perihelion compared to aphelion.

- **Nearest Day to the Sun: 3rd January**
While the winter solstice is closest to the Earth's perihelion, it does not precisely coincide with the day when the Earth is nearest to the Sun due to the complexities of the Earth's orbit. The Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun on approximately January 3rd.

**Conclusion**
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is January 3rd. This day is not only close to the winter solstice but also corresponds to the Earth's perihelion, making it the nearest day to the Sun.

What percent of sunrays that is received by the upper layer of the atmosphere reach the earth surface?
  • a)
    43%
  • b)
    51%
  • c)
    53%
  • d)
    40%.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Upsc Toppers answered
The correct answer is b) 51%.
About 51% of the solar energy received at the top of the Earth's atmosphere makes it to the surface. The rest is absorbed or scattered by the atmosphere, clouds, and particles.

Insolation refers to ________
  • a)
    Wind direction
  • b)
    Solar radiation
  • c)
    Precipitation
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation received by a given area. It is a critical concept in understanding how sunlight impacts the Earth’s climate and weather patterns.
  • Solar radiation is the energy emitted by the sun, which travels through space and reaches the Earth.
  • Insolation varies based on factors such as:
    • The angle of the sun's rays
    • Time of year
    • The geographical location
  • High levels of insolation can lead to warmer temperatures, affecting local climates.
  • It plays a key role in processes like photosynthesis, impacting ecosystems and agriculture.

Which of the following has longest day and nights?
  • a)
    Poles
  • b)
    Equator
  • c)
    Tropic of Cancer
  • d)
    Tropic of Capricorn.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

K.L Institute answered
The correct answer is: a) Poles
Explanation:
  • At the Poles, the phenomenon of polar day (continuous daylight for 6 months) and polar night (continuous darkness for 6 months) occurs. This results in the longest days and nights, lasting up to six months each, depending on the season.
  • At the Equator, days and nights are nearly equal in length throughout the year, roughly 12 hours each.
  • At the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, day and night lengths vary throughout the year, but they never experience the extreme durations observed at the Poles.

In what form is solar energy is radiated from the sun?
  • a)
    Ultraviolet Radiation
  • b)
    Infrared radiation
  • c)
    Electromagnetic waves
  • d)
    Transverse waves
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Mohit Kumar answered
Introduction:
Solar energy is the energy radiated from the Sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. These waves are a combination of different wavelengths, including ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. However, the primary form in which solar energy is radiated from the Sun is electromagnetic waves.

Explanation:
The radiated solar energy from the Sun is in the form of electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are a form of energy that can travel through a vacuum without the need for a medium. They are composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

Types of Electromagnetic Waves:
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a wide range of electromagnetic waves, each characterized by its wavelength and frequency. Some of the key types of electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun include:

1. Ultraviolet Radiation:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic wave with a shorter wavelength than visible light.
- UV radiation is responsible for causing sunburns and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- In addition to its harmful effects, UV radiation is also important for various biological processes on Earth.

2. Visible Light:
- Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye.
- It consists of different colors, ranging from violet (shortest wavelength) to red (longest wavelength).
- Visible light is essential for photosynthesis in plants and enables us to see objects and colors.

3. Infrared Radiation:
- Infrared (IR) radiation is a type of electromagnetic wave with a longer wavelength than visible light.
- IR radiation is responsible for heat transfer and is commonly used in technologies such as thermal imaging.
- It is also used in various applications like remote controls and communication systems.

Solar Energy and Electromagnetic Waves:
Solar energy is the result of the Sun's nuclear fusion reactions, which produce vast amounts of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. These waves travel through space and reach the Earth, where they can be harnessed for various purposes like generating electricity through solar panels or heating water through solar thermal systems.

Conclusion:
Solar energy is primarily radiated from the Sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. These waves encompass a wide range of wavelengths, including ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. Harnessing solar energy allows us to utilize this abundant and renewable source of power for various applications.

Consider the following statements:
  1. The incoming solar radiation on earth is known as insolation
  2. The farthest distance of the earth from the Sun is 152 million Km on 4th July
  3. The position of the earth when it is nearest to the Sun is called Aphelion
Select the correct answer using the code given below
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    1 and 2 only
  • c)
    1, 2 and 3
  • d)
    2 and 3 only
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Krish Sharma answered
Explanation:

Statement 1: The incoming solar radiation on earth is known as insolation.
This statement is correct. Insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. It is a combination of the words "incoming" and "solar radiation". Insolation is an important factor in determining the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

Statement 2: The farthest distance of the earth from the Sun is 152 million Km on 4th July.
This statement is incorrect. The farthest distance of the Earth from the Sun is known as aphelion, and it occurs around July 4th. However, the actual distance can vary each year. The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 149.6 million kilometers, but during aphelion, this distance can be around 152 million kilometers.

Statement 3: The position of the Earth when it is nearest to the Sun is called Aphelion.
This statement is incorrect. Aphelion refers to the point in the Earth's orbit when it is farthest from the Sun. The position when the Earth is nearest to the Sun is called perihelion.

Conclusion:
From the above analysis, we can conclude that statement 1 is correct, statement 2 is incorrect, and statement 3 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option B, which states that only statement 1 and statement 2 are correct.

Earth receives almost all its energy from the
  • a)
    sun
  • b)
    moon
  • c)
    stars
  • d)
    none of these
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Upsc Toppers answered
Earth receives almost all its energy from the
  • The primary source of energy for Earth is the Sun.
  • The Sun provides light and warmth, which are essential for life.
  • Plants use sunlight for photosynthesis, producing oxygen and food.
  • The Sun's energy drives weather patterns and other natural processes.
  • Other celestial bodies, like the Moon and stars, have minimal impact on Earth's energy.

On 4th July, the earth is farthest from sun. What is its distance?
  • a)
    152 million km
  • b)
    147 million km
  • c)
    148 million km
  • d)
    198 million km.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ritu Raj answered
The Earth's Distance from the Sun on 4th July:

The distance between the Earth and the Sun varies throughout the year due to the elliptical shape of the Earth's orbit. The point in the Earth's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun is known as aphelion. On 4th July, the Earth is indeed farthest from the Sun. The correct answer is option 'A', which states that the Earth's distance from the Sun on 4th July is 152 million km.

Explanation:

The distance between the Earth and the Sun can be calculated using the average distance between the two, which is known as an astronomical unit (AU). One AU is approximately equal to the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, which is about 149.6 million km.

The Earth's orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle but an ellipse. This means that the Earth is closer to the Sun at certain points in its orbit (perihelion) and farther away at other points (aphelion). The difference in distance between perihelion and aphelion is about 5 million km.

The Earth's Orbit and Aphelion:

The Earth's orbit around the Sun can be visualized as an elongated ellipse. The Sun is located at one of the two foci of this ellipse. The point in the Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun is called perihelion, while the point where it is farthest from the Sun is called aphelion.

Calculating the Distance on 4th July:

To determine the Earth's distance from the Sun on 4th July, we need to consider the date when the Earth reaches aphelion. Aphelion occurs around 4th July each year, although the exact date may vary slightly.

The distance between the Earth and the Sun at aphelion is approximately 152 million km. This means that on 4th July, the Earth is about 152 million km away from the Sun.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, on 4th July, the Earth is farthest from the Sun, reaching a distance of approximately 152 million km. This occurs due to the elliptical shape of the Earth's orbit, with aphelion being the point farthest from the Sun.

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