How do different regions of the Earth experience seasons according to Newton's Law of Gravity $F=\frac{\mathrm{G\; m\_1\; m\_2}}{r^2}$?

• A. Seasons occur because the Earth's gravitational force $F$ varies at different times of the year.
• B. Seasons are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon on different regions of the Earth.
• C. Seasons result from the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the Sun, which affects the gravitational force $F$ experienced by different regions.
• D. Seasons are due to the varying distance $r$ between the Earth and the Sun, altering the gravitational force $F$.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the primary cause of seasons is the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun, not directly due to gravitational forces.
2. Recognize that the Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. This tilt remains constant as the Earth orbits the Sun.
3. As the Earth orbits the Sun, different regions receive varying amounts of sunlight at different times of the year. This variation in sunlight is what causes the seasons.
4. During summer in a given hemisphere, that hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in longer days and more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures.
5. Conversely, during winter, the same hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in shorter days and less direct sunlight, leading to cooler temperatures.