Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature Important Questions

Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature Important Questions

These Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature Important Questions cover important NCERT concepts related to insolation, heat budget, atmospheric heating, terrestrial radiation and temperature distribution.

The chapter-wise questions include MCQs, one-word questions, assertion and reason questions and analytical descriptive questions useful for UPSC, SSC, Railways, State PSC, CUET, CBSE board exams and competitive examinations.

NCERT Page Coverage: Page 69–72

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

These MCQs from Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature help students revise important concepts related to atmospheric heating, heat transfer and temperature distribution.

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

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

One-Word / Very Short Answer Questions

Question Answer Page Reference
What is incoming solar radiation called? Insolation Page 69
What is reflection coefficient of Earth called? Albedo Page 70
Which process transfers heat through direct contact? Conduction Page 71
Which process transfers heat vertically in atmosphere? Convection Page 71
Which process transfers heat horizontally? Advection Page 71
What is outgoing heat from Earth called? Terrestrial radiation Page 70
Which surface has highest albedo? Fresh snow Page 70
What maintains Earth’s heat balance? Heat budget Page 70
What is difference between maximum and minimum temperature called? Temperature range Page 72
What is normal lapse rate? 6.5°C per 1000 m Page 72
Which region receives maximum insolation? Equator Page 69
Which atmospheric layer is mainly heated from below? Troposphere Page 71
Which process transfers energy through electromagnetic waves? Radiation Page 71
Which factor moderates coastal temperatures? Distance from sea Page 72
Which regions generally experience extreme temperature ranges? Deserts Page 72
Which colour absorbs maximum heat? Dark colour Page 70
Why do higher latitudes receive less heat? Slanting rays Page 69
Which air rises upward during convection? Warm air Page 71
Which factor causes decrease of temperature with height? Altitude Page 72
Which regions experience lowest annual temperature range? Oceanic regions Page 72

Assertion and Reason Questions

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

Important Exam-Based Concept Questions

Question 1

Explain the meaning and importance of insolation.

Page Reference: Page 69

Question 2

Discuss the factors affecting distribution of insolation.

Page Reference: Page 69

Question 3

Explain why equatorial regions receive maximum insolation.

Page Reference: Page 69

Question 4

Describe the concept of albedo and its significance.

Page Reference: Page 70

Question 5

Explain the process of terrestrial radiation.

Page Reference: Page 70

Question 6

Discuss the concept of Earth’s heat budget.

Page Reference: Page 70

Question 7

Explain how atmosphere is heated.

Page Reference: Page 70–71

Question 8

Differentiate between conduction, convection and advection.

Page Reference: Page 71

Question 9

Explain why atmosphere is heated from below.

Page Reference: Page 70–71

Question 10

Discuss the importance of convectional currents in atmosphere.

Page Reference: Page 71

Question 11

Explain the concept of normal lapse rate.

Page Reference: Page 72

Question 12

Discuss the factors controlling temperature distribution.

Page Reference: Page 72

Question 13

Explain why coastal regions experience moderate climate.

Page Reference: Page 72

Question 14

Discuss the causes of high temperature range in deserts.

Page Reference: Page 72

Question 15

Explain the role of latitude in temperature distribution.

Page Reference: Page 69–72

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