Question

Heat energy emitted from the sun reaches the earth through the phenomenon of
A. Conduction
B. Convection
C. Radiation
D. None

Answer 1

Hint: In science, radiation is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles or both through space or through a specific medium. The electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma radiation are included in this form of transmission.

Complete step by step answer:
First of all let us take a look at what radiation means. In physics, radiation is the phenomenon of emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a particular medium. Radiation is the energy transmission by matter in the form of rays or high-speed particles. Every matter is made up of atoms. Atoms consist of various parts. They are the nucleus that contains minute particles called protons and neutrons, and the outer shell of the atom contains other particles called electrons. The sun’s radiation is sometimes harmful. UV rays, either from the sun or from any kind of artificial sources like tanning beds leads to sunburn. Long exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage such as wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis, and solar elastosis. UV rays can also make eye problems. In short we can say that energy transferred from the sun reaches earth mainly by the process of radiation.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: When the energy from the sun moves through space, it reaches Earth's atmosphere and finally the surface. This radiant solar energy warms up the atmosphere and develops heat energy. This heat energy is getting transferred throughout the planet's systems by radiation, conduction, and convection.