How does the altitude of the Sun affect solar energy reception on Earth?

The altitude of the Sun significantly impacts the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth's surface. When the Sun is at a higher altitude in the sky, its rays hit the Earth more directly, meaning that the energy is concentrated over a smaller surface area. This direct angle reduces the atmospheric path the sunlight must travel through, which minimizes scattering and absorption by the atmosphere. As a result, a higher altitude leads to greater solar energy reception on Earth.

In contrast, when the Sun is lower on the horizon, its rays strike the Earth at a more oblique angle, spreading the energy over a larger area and increasing the distance sunlight travels through the atmosphere. This reduction in the intensity of sunlight means that less solar energy is received at the surface.

Thus, the correct understanding is that higher altitude does indeed increase solar energy reception, making this the correct answer.