How does the tilt of the Earth's axis affect the seasons?

The tilt of the Earth's axis is fundamentally responsible for the variation in seasons due to its influence on the amount of direct solar energy that different parts of the Earth receive throughout the year. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt (which is approximately 23.5 degrees) causes different regions to be angled more directly toward the Sun at various times, leading to seasonal changes.

During summer in one hemisphere, that area is tilted toward the Sun, receiving more direct sunlight, resulting in warmer temperatures and longer days. Conversely, during winter, the same hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to less direct sunlight, shorter days, and cooler temperatures. This seasonal cycle is consistent and predictable as a result of the Earth's axial tilt, creating the seasonal variations that are experienced across different latitudes.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the effect of the Earth's axial tilt. The influence of the tilt is not about chemical reactions in the atmosphere, the deflection of harmful radiation, or changes in the Earth's rotational speed—all options that do not directly explain how seasons change based on solar energy distribution.