What would happen if Earth’s axis of rotation was not tilted but instead was perfectly perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the Sun? There would be no seasons There would be no difference in average temperature between the poles and the Equator Solar radiation would travel farther on average and the Earth would cool Seasons would be more pronounced O It would take more than 365 days for the Earth to make a complete orbit around the sun
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: There would be no seasons.
Explanation:
The Earth’s axis is currently tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of its orbit around the Sun (the ecliptic). This axial tilt is the reason we experience seasons. Here’s why:
- Axial Tilt and Seasons: The tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, it experiences summer due to more direct sunlight, while the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter. Six months later, the reverse happens.
- No Tilt, No Seasons: If Earth’s axis were perfectly perpendicular to its orbital plane (0° tilt), the Sun’s rays would strike every location on Earth at the same angle throughout the year. The equator would always receive the most direct sunlight, and the poles would receive the least. This uniformity would mean no seasonal variations in temperature or daylight hours.
- Temperature and Daylight: While the poles would remain cold and the equator warm, these conditions would not change throughout the year. This lack of variation would drastically impact ecosystems, agriculture, and weather patterns, as organisms and human activities often rely on seasonal cycles.
- Other Incorrect Options:
- Difference in temperature between poles and equator: This would persist due to uneven solar energy distribution, even without tilt.
- Solar radiation and cooling: The Earth’s energy balance wouldn’t change significantly due to tilt.
- More pronounced seasons: Without tilt, seasons would cease to exist.
- Orbit duration: Earth’s orbital period is determined by its distance from the Sun and gravitational forces, unrelated to axial tilt.
In summary, a perpendicular axis would result in an Earth without seasons, with the equator always warm and the poles perpetually cold.