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Foundations of Physical Science. Workshop: Variations in the Heating and Cooling of Earth. Key Question. What causes the seasons?. Two part Investigation. First ,we will measure how variations in DISTANCE effect light intensity
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Foundations of Physical Science Workshop: Variations in the Heating and Cooling of Earth
Key Question • What causes the seasons?
Two part Investigation • First ,we will measure how variations in DISTANCE effect light intensity • Then, we will measure the light intensity at different PLACES on the globe
Light Intensity and Solar Energy • Greater tilt angle spreads the light out over more area • More direct light = more energy/area = greater intensity • Areas with greater intensity will heat more
Setting up your model of Earth’s orbit around the sun • The light represents the sun • Measure the light intensity with the solar cell and multimeter • Compare values
Measuring Light Intensity based on Distance • Four distances • A – 150 cm • B – 147 cm • C – 149 cm • D – 153 cm
Findings • What role does axial tilt play in the intensity of light on Earth? • At which position (A-D) and latitude does Earth receive the most light? The least light? • Which factor, distance or axial tilt, plays the most significant role in casing the seasons? • Was your hypothesis supported by your results?
Where is Summer in the Northern Hemisphere? (and why) • From position D to A is summer for the Northern Hemisphere • That is the segment of Earth’s orbit where the Northern Hemisphere is pointing at the sun and getting the most direct, and therefore most intense light