Question

Most of the sources of energy we use represent stored solar energy. Which of the following is not ultimately derived from the Sun’s energy.
(A) Geothermal energy
(B) Wind energy
(C) Nuclear energy
(D) Biomass

Answer 1

Hint
Sun is the ultimate source of energy on Earth. Almost all natural energy sources are derived from the sun in one or other way. In the given options we can see that except nuclear energy all other energy sources are natural energy sources and they have some or other dependence on the Sun.

Complete step by step answer
Nuclear energy is produced as a result of nuclear reactions. The main reactions that produce nuclear energy are the nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission a heavier nucleus, when bombarded with an incoming particle will split into two or more smaller fragments. The heavier nucleus will be converted into a lighter nucleus and some outgoing particles are also produced. In this process a huge amount of energy will be released. In nuclear fusion, lighter nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei. In this process also a huge amount of energy will be liberated. Both these processes do not depend on the energy of sunlight. This process can be carried out with or without the presence of sunlight without any change in effect. So we can say that nuclear energy is not ultimately derived from the sun's energy.

Note
Geothermal energy is the form of heat energy stored inside the crust of earth. This is formed when water molecules or any other substances that get heated and get trapped inside the crust of earth. The molecules absorb energy from the sun to get heated hence we can say that geothermal energy is derived from sunlight. Wind energy is the kind of energy we produce from the wind. WE know that wind is produced when the atmosphere is unevenly heated. The heating of the atmosphere is due to the sunlight. Hence wind energy is also derived from the sun. Biomass is obtained from the carcasses of animals and plants. The transformation of these dead bodies takes place in the presence of water, air and sunlight.