The sun’s warmth in winter can be captured best if the building faces
a. north
b. northwest
c. south
d. west
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. south.
In the northern hemisphere, to capture the sun’s warmth in winter, a building should face south. This is because the sun is positioned lower in the sky during winter months, and a south-facing building will receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day. Solar radiation is maximized when windows face towards the south, allowing for natural heating.
The Earth’s axial tilt causes the sun to appear at a lower angle during the winter. A south-facing building receives sunlight at a more direct angle, especially around midday when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, even in winter. This helps to warm the interior of the building without needing as much artificial heating.
Buildings with large windows or solar panels on the southern side are ideal for maximizing solar gain in winter. The sun’s rays enter the building and heat up the interior space. Proper insulation and strategic placement of thermal mass, such as stone or concrete, can store the warmth and release it later, making the building more energy-efficient. The southern exposure reduces the need for additional heating systems, thus lowering energy costs during colder months.
On the other hand, if a building faces other directions, such as north or west, it will not capture as much sunlight during winter. In the northern hemisphere, the northern side of a building receives the least sunlight, while west-facing windows may experience intense afternoon sun, but the warmth will not last into the evening when temperatures drop. Therefore, a south-facing building is the most effective for maximizing solar heat in the winter.