Final answer:
The change in the Sun's position affects the flux of sunlight and the weather. In winter, the Sun is lower in the sky and its rays spread out over a wider area, resulting in lower energy reaching the Earth. This change, along with the angle of the Sun's rays, contributes to colder winters compared to summers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in the Sun's position in the sky during winter compared to summer affects the flux of sunlight hitting a given area on the surface of the Earth. In the winter, when the Sun is lower in the sky, its rays spread out over a wider area, becoming less concentrated. This means that the amount of sunlight energy reaching a given area is lower during winter compared to summer.
This change in the Sun's position also affects the weather. The lower position of the Sun during winter results in less direct heating of the ground. As a result, the winters are generally colder compared to summers. The angle of the Sun's rays also influences the intensity of heating, with the summer Sun being more vertical and heating the ground more effectively.