One factor that affects climate is latitude. Why is it hotter at the equator than at northern or southern latitudes?

Due to the spherical shape of the Earth, sunlight falls on different parts at different angles. The equatorial regions receive more solar energy per unit area than the polar regions. Near the equator, the sun's rays have to travel through a shorter path in the atmosphere, allowing for less scattering and absorption of solar radiation. In contrast, the same amount of solar energy is spread over a larger area near the poles, resulting in lower temperatures.