What does the angle of incidence refer to?

The angle of incidence primarily refers to the angle at which sunlight or other electromagnetic radiation strikes a surface, such as the Earth. This concept is significant in various fields, including architecture, environmental science, and solar energy, as it affects how much solar radiation a particular area receives. Understanding this angle is crucial for optimizing solar panels, designing energy-efficient buildings, and assessing natural light availability in landscapes and urban environments.

In this context, options that refer to soil slope, building angles, or surveying angles do not directly relate to the definition of the angle of incidence as it is commonly understood. Instead, they address specific measurements and parameters relevant to their own fields, but they fall outside the standard definition associated with sunlight and radiation.