These Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature Important Questions cover the most important MCQs, one-word questions, assertion and reason questions and descriptive questions from NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 8. The questions are prepared from NCERT concepts and important exam-oriented topics for quick revision and practice.
This page is useful for UPSC, SSC, PSC, Railway, CUET and Class 11 Geography preparation, helping students revise important concepts related to insolation, heat budget, temperature distribution, terrestrial radiation and atmospheric heating.
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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
These MCQs from Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature are designed for quick objective revision and competitive exam preparation. The questions cover important atmospheric processes, heat transfer mechanisms, temperature controls and Earth’s heat balance discussed in the NCERT chapter.
MCQ 1
The Sun is the main source of:
A. Rainfall only
B. Atmospheric pressure only
C. Energy for Earth
D. Ocean salinity only
Answer: C. Energy for Earth | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 2
Incoming solar radiation is known as:
A. Terrestrial radiation
B. Insolation
C. Conduction
D. Reflection
Answer: B. Insolation | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 3
The amount of insolation received on Earth depends mainly on:
A. Latitude
B. Angle of Sun’s rays
C. Duration of daylight
D. All of these
Answer: D. All of these | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 4
The maximum insolation is received at:
A. Poles
B. Equator
C. Temperate regions
D. Mountain regions only
Answer: B. Equator | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 5
The reflection of solar radiation by Earth’s surface is called:
A. Insolation
B. Radiation
C. Albedo
D. Conduction
Answer: C. Albedo | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 6
Fresh snow has:
A. Low albedo
B. High albedo
C. No albedo
D. Negative albedo
Answer: B. High albedo | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 7
The atmosphere is heated mainly by:
A. Direct solar radiation
B. Terrestrial radiation
C. Ocean currents only
D. Volcanic heat only
Answer: B. Terrestrial radiation | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 8
The Earth radiates energy back to atmosphere in the form of:
A. Short waves
B. Long waves
C. Gamma rays
D. Radio waves
Answer: B. Long waves | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 9
The process of heat transfer through direct contact is called:
A. Radiation
B. Convection
C. Conduction
D. Reflection
Answer: C. Conduction | Page Reference: Page 71
MCQ 10
The vertical transfer of heat in atmosphere is known as:
A. Radiation
B. Convection
C. Reflection
D. Advection
Answer: B. Convection | Page Reference: Page 71
MCQ 11
Horizontal movement of air transferring heat is called:
A. Convection
B. Radiation
C. Advection
D. Conduction
Answer: C. Advection | Page Reference: Page 71
MCQ 12
Which process is mainly responsible for heating lower atmosphere?
A. Reflection
B. Terrestrial radiation
C. Ocean currents only
D. Solar eclipses
Answer: B. Terrestrial radiation | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 13
The difference between maximum and minimum temperature is called:
A. Insolation
B. Heat budget
C. Temperature range
D. Lapse rate
Answer: C. Temperature range | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 14
The normal lapse rate is approximately:
A. 1°C per 100 m
B. 6.5°C per 1000 m
C. 10°C per 1000 m
D. 2°C per 100 m
Answer: B. 6.5°C per 1000 m | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 15
The temperature generally decreases with increasing:
A. Latitude only
B. Altitude
C. Longitude only
D. Pressure only
Answer: B. Altitude | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 16
Which factor strongly influences temperature near coasts?
A. Continentality
B. Distance from sea
C. Soil type only
D. Vegetation only
Answer: B. Distance from sea | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 17
Places near seas experience:
A. Extreme temperatures
B. Moderate temperatures
C. No rainfall
D. High pressure only
Answer: B. Moderate temperatures | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 18
The unequal heating of Earth is mainly due to:
A. Uniform insolation
B. Spherical shape of Earth
C. Constant daylight everywhere
D. Ocean depth only
Answer: B. Spherical shape of Earth | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 19
Which surface absorbs maximum solar radiation?
A. Snow-covered surface
B. Dark-coloured surface
C. Ice sheets
D. Clouds only
Answer: B. Dark-coloured surface | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 20
The balance between incoming and outgoing heat is called:
A. Heat budget
B. Insolation
C. Advection
D. Convection
Answer: A. Heat budget | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 21
Which layer receives heat directly from Earth’s surface?
A. Exosphere
B. Stratosphere
C. Troposphere
D. Mesosphere
Answer: C. Troposphere | Page Reference: Page 71
MCQ 22
Higher latitudes receive less heat because Sun’s rays are:
A. Vertical
B. Slanting
C. Constant
D. Reflected completely
Answer: B. Slanting rays | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 23
Which process transfers heat through electromagnetic waves?
A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. Advection
Answer: C. Radiation | Page Reference: Page 71
MCQ 24
Which factor causes lower temperatures at mountain tops?
A. Greater pressure
B. Higher humidity only
C. Decrease in air density and pressure
D. Increased insolation only
Answer: C. Decrease in air density and pressure | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 25
Daily temperature range is generally highest in:
A. Coastal areas
B. Islands
C. Deserts
D. Equatorial forests
Answer: C. Deserts | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 26
The annual range of temperature is generally lowest near:
A. Continents
B. Oceans
C. Deserts
D. Mountains only
Answer: B. Oceans | Page Reference: Page 72
MCQ 27
Heat budget maintains:
A. Constant pressure only
B. Earth’s average temperature balance
C. Uniform rainfall only
D. Constant humidity only
Answer: B. Earth’s average temperature balance | Page Reference: Page 70
MCQ 28
The Sun’s rays are nearly vertical at equator because of:
A. Earth’s spherical shape
B. Earth’s rotation only
C. Earth’s tilt only
D. Ocean currents
Answer: A. Earth’s spherical shape | Page Reference: Page 69
MCQ 29
Convectional currents mainly occur because warm air:
A. Contracts
B. Becomes heavier
C. Rises upward
D. Stops moving
Answer: C. Rises upward | Page Reference: Page 71
MCQ 30
Which among the following is NOT a control of temperature?
A. Latitude
B. Altitude
C. Distance from sea
D. Earthquake intensity
Answer: D. Earthquake intensity | Page Reference: Page 72
One-Word / Very Short Answer Questions
These one-word and factual questions help students quickly revise important atmospheric heating concepts, temperature controls and heat transfer mechanisms from the chapter. The section is especially useful for UPSC, SSC, PSC, Railway, CUET and other objective examinations.
- What is incoming solar radiation called?
Answer: Insolation | Page Reference: Page 69 - What is reflection coefficient of Earth called?
Answer: Albedo | Page Reference: Page 70 - Which process transfers heat through direct contact?
Answer: Conduction | Page Reference: Page 71 - Which process transfers heat vertically in atmosphere?
Answer: Convection | Page Reference: Page 71 - Which process transfers heat horizontally?
Answer: Advection | Page Reference: Page 71 - What is outgoing heat from Earth called?
Answer: Terrestrial radiation | Page Reference: Page 70 - Which surface has highest albedo?
Answer: Fresh snow | Page Reference: Page 70 - What maintains Earth’s heat balance?
Answer: Heat budget | Page Reference: Page 70 - What is difference between maximum and minimum temperature called?
Answer: Temperature range | Page Reference: Page 72 - What is normal lapse rate?
Answer: 6.5°C per 1000 m | Page Reference: Page 72 - Which region receives maximum insolation?
Answer: Equator | Page Reference: Page 69 - Which atmospheric layer is mainly heated from below?
Answer: Troposphere | Page Reference: Page 71 - Which process transfers energy through electromagnetic waves?
Answer: Radiation | Page Reference: Page 71 - Which factor moderates coastal temperatures?
Answer: Distance from sea | Page Reference: Page 72 - Which regions generally experience extreme temperature ranges?
Answer: Deserts | Page Reference: Page 72 - Which colour absorbs maximum heat?
Answer: Dark colour | Page Reference: Page 70 - Why do higher latitudes receive less heat?
Answer: Slanting rays | Page Reference: Page 69 - Which air rises upward during convection?
Answer: Warm air | Page Reference: Page 71 - Which factor causes decrease of temperature with height?
Answer: Altitude | Page Reference: Page 72 - Which regions experience lowest annual temperature range?
Answer: Genetic regions / Oceanic regions | Page Reference: Page 72
Assertion and Reason Questions
These assertion and reason questions from Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature help students develop conceptual clarity and analytical understanding of atmospheric heating and temperature distribution. They are highly useful for board exams and competitive examinations.
Question 1
Assertion (A): The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth.
Reason (R): Most atmospheric processes are driven by solar energy.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 69
Question 2
Assertion (A): Equatorial regions receive maximum insolation.
Reason (R): Sun’s rays fall almost vertically near equator.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 69
Question 3
Assertion (A): Earth’s atmosphere is mainly heated from below.
Reason (R): Earth reradiates absorbed heat as terrestrial radiation.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 70
Question 4
Assertion (A): Fresh snow reflects large amount of solar radiation.
Reason (R): Fresh snow has high albedo.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 70
Question 5
Assertion (A): Conduction transfers heat slowly in atmosphere.
Reason (R): Air is a poor conductor of heat.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 71
Question 6
Assertion (A): Warm air rises upward in atmosphere.
Reason (R): Warm air becomes lighter after expansion.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 71
Question 7
Assertion (A): Coastal regions experience moderate temperatures.
Reason (R): Water heats and cools more slowly than land.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 72
Question 8
Assertion (A): Temperature decreases with increasing altitude.
Reason (R): Atmosphere is mainly heated from Earth’s surface.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 72
Question 9
Assertion (A): Deserts have high daily temperature range.
Reason (R): Desert atmosphere contains little moisture and cloud cover.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 72
Question 10
Assertion (A): Heat budget maintains Earth’s average temperature balance.
Reason (R): Incoming solar radiation equals outgoing terrestrial radiation over long periods.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 70
Question 11
Assertion (A): Dark-coloured surfaces absorb more heat.
Reason (R): Dark surfaces reflect very little solar radiation.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 70
Question 12
Assertion (A): Slanting rays heat larger areas less effectively.
Reason (R): Energy gets distributed over wider surface areas.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 69
Question 13
Assertion (A): Annual temperature range is low near oceans.
Reason (R): Water bodies moderate surrounding temperatures.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 72
Question 14
Assertion (A): Convection currents are important in atmospheric circulation.
Reason (R): Heated air continuously rises and cooler air sinks.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 71
Question 15
Assertion (A): Earth would become extremely hot or cold without heat balance.
Reason (R): Heat budget maintains long-term energy equilibrium.
Options:
A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation
B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true
Correct Option: A | Page Reference: Page 70
Important Exam-Based Concept Questions
These important descriptive and analytical questions from Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature are useful for board examinations and competitive exams. The questions focus on conceptual understanding, atmospheric heating and temperature distribution.
| # | Question Description | Page Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Explain the meaning and importance of insolation. | Page 69 |
| 2 | Discuss the factors affecting distribution of insolation. | Page 69 |
| 3 | Explain why equatorial regions receive maximum insolation. | Page 69 |
| 4 | Describe the concept of albedo and its significance. | Page 70 |
| 5 | Explain the process of terrestrial radiation. | Page 70 |
| 6 | Discuss the concept of Earth’s heat budget. | Page 70 |
| 7 | Explain how atmosphere is heated. | Page 70–71 |
| 8 | Differentiate between conduction, convection and advection. | Page 71 |
| 9 | Explain why atmosphere is heated from below. | Page 70–71 |
| 10 | Discuss the importance of convectional currents in atmosphere. | Page 71 |
| 11 | Explain the concept of normal lapse rate. | Page 72 |
| 12 | Discuss the factors controlling temperature distribution. | Page 72 |
| 13 | Explain why coastal regions experience moderate climate. | Page 72 |
| 14 | Discuss the causes of high temperature range in deserts. | Page 72 |
| 15 | Explain the role of latitude in temperature distribution. | Page 69–72 |
| 16 | Differentiate between daily and annual temperature range. | Page 72 |
| 17 | Explain the effect of altitude on temperature. | Page 72 |
| 18 | Discuss the relationship between heat budget and climate balance. | Page 70 |
| 19 | Explain how Earth maintains energy equilibrium. | Page 70 |
| 20 | Discuss the importance of atmospheric heating processes in weather and climate. | Page 70–72 |
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