Which region receives more of the Sun's energy: tropical latitudes or polar regions?

• A. Tropical latitudes
• B. Polar regions
• C. Equatorial zones
• D. High latitudes

Answer: (A)

Sun angle and daylight duration govern how much solar energy reaches the surface. In tropical latitudes, the Sun stays high in the sky for much of the year, so its rays hit more directly. Direct sunlight means more energy per square meter, and long or consistent daytime hours keep the insolation high. In polar regions, the Sun sits low most of the year; rays strike at a shallow angle, spreading energy over a larger area and traveling through more atmosphere, which reduces the energy that reaches the surface. Even in summer, the Sun’s altitude is limited, and winters can bring extended darkness. All of this means tropical latitudes receive more solar energy on average than polar regions.