Question

Why are the slanting rays less effective than the vertical rays in heating up the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Slanting rays are less effective than vertical rays in heating the atmosphere because slanting rays travel a longer distance through space and the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to more heat loss before reaching the surface. Additionally, slanting rays spread their energy over a larger surface area, so less heat is concentrated on each unit area compared to vertical rays, which are more direct and concentrated on a smaller area. As a result, vertical rays have a stronger heating impact than slanting rays.