why is my shadow longer @ 5:00 in the afternoon than @ 1:00 in the afternoon?

Answer 1

Well, if you look up at the sky at 1:00, you will see sun almost directly overhead you. when the light falls on you, the sun "sees" a smaller object.

A 5:00, the sun "sees" an object which blocks more light, therefore casting a larger shadow.

Answer 2

The sun is more above you at one in the afternoon, almost overhead. At five in the early evening, the sun is further west to you, more towards eye level. This will cause your shadow to be longer because of the angle of the sun relative to you.

Answer 3

Because the sun is lower in the sky, so it shines light on the front of you more than the top, making a longer shadow

Answer 4

Are you serious?....the sun is lower on the horizon so you are at a lower angle to the sun, therefore your shadow is longer....Nuf Said