What is the solar system and why is the Earth's interior hot? Also, what factors cause variations in solar radiation reaching Earth?

Here are the answers to your questions:

1 a) What is solar system?
The solar system is a gravitational bound system consisting of the Sun and the objects that orbit it, either directly or indirectly. These objects include planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other small bodies.

1 b) Give 3 reasons why the interior of the earth is very hot:

• Residual heat from planetary formation: Heat generated during the accretion and compression of materials when the Earth was formed.
• Radioactive decay: The decay of radioactive isotopes (such as uranium, thorium, and potassium) within the Earth's mantle and core releases significant amounts of heat.
• Frictional heating: The movement and differentiation of denser materials sinking towards the core during Earth's early formation generated heat through friction.

2 a) Give two factors that causes variation in the radiation reaching the earth's surface:

• Angle of incidence of the sun's rays: The angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface varies with latitude, time of day, and season, affecting the intensity of radiation.
• Length of daylight hours: The duration of sunlight exposure varies with latitude and season, influencing the total amount of solar radiation received. (Other valid factors include: atmospheric conditions like clouds and dust, and distance from the sun).

2 b) Name three transitional zones of the atmosphere:

• Tropopause
• Stratopause
• Mesopause

3 a) What is a Stevenson's screen?
A Stevenson's screen is a white, wooden box with louvred sides designed to house meteorological instruments, such as thermometers, to protect them from direct sunlight, precipitation, and strong winds while allowing air to circulate freely.