Question

The solar radiation reaches the earth in the form of __________.
A. short waves
B. medium waves
C. long waves
D. none of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Solar radiation is the radiant energy that is emitted by the sun, it is created because of nuclear fusion and creates electromagnetic energy. The spectrum of solar radiation is similar to that of a black body and has a temperature of around 5800K.

Complete answer:
Solar radiation is the radiant energy that is emitted by the sun, it is created because of nuclear fusion and creates electromagnetic energy. 44% of this solar radiation is visible light wavelengths, along with the other wavelengths like infrared, ultraviolet.
- Option A: Short waves, The solar radiation from the sun reaches the Earth in the visible short-wave part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Hence, this is the correct option.
- Option B: Medium waves are the ones that have medium wavelength rays on the electromagnetic spectrum which are visible light and some parts of ultraviolet radiation. Hence, this is an incorrect option.
- Option C: Long waves are the ones that have long wavelengths of rays on the electromagnetic spectrum which are radio waves and microwaves. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: The device that measures solar energy from the sun is a solar radiation sensor. The units of measurement of solar radiation are Watts per square meter. Different parts of the Earth receive different amounts of solar radiation depending upon the angle of the sun’s rays that strike the Earth.