Insolation and factors affecting it

Correct answer: A. Total insolation will be lower

Receiving sunlight for a shorter time reduces the total amount of solar energy received. In exams, consider day duration an important factor of insolation.

Correct answer: B. Absorb more solar energy

Direct answer: Option B, it will absorb more solar energy. Albedo is the fraction of incoming radiation reflected by a surface. A low-albedo surface reflects a small fraction, so a larger fraction is absorbed. The energy chain is: incoming sunlight equals reflected part plus absorbed part and other losses; if reflection decreases, absorption generally increases; absorbed radiation raises the surface’s internal energy and can make it warmer. Option A is wrong because reflecting more describes high albedo, not low albedo. Option B is correct. Option C is wrong because albedo does not control the length of the day. Option D is wrong because a surface with low albedo does not stop the rays; it takes in more of their energy. Heating speed still depends on material, moisture, wind and heat capacity, so “generally” is important. Memory cue: low albedo means low reflection and high absorption.