Solar Radiation and Energy

Chemically, about three quarters of the Sun's mass consists of hydrogen, while the rest is mostly helium.

Albedo is the measure of the reflectivity of a surface, defined as the percentage of incident solar radiation that is reflected back into space. Surfaces like fresh snow have a very high albedo, while dark surfaces like asphalt have a low albedo.

Out of the total solar radiation reaching the top of the atmosphere, approximately 47 percent is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The rest is reflected back into space by clouds and the surface or absorbed by the atmosphere. This balance is crucial for maintaining the Earth's temperature and driving weather patterns.

The Sun generates its immense energy through nuclear fusion, a process where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium under extreme heat and pressure. This reaction releases vast amounts of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. Nuclear fission, the splitting of heavy nuclei, is the process used in terrestrial nuclear power plants.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the Sun, making up about 73 percent of its mass. Helium is the second most abundant, accounting for nearly 25 percent.

Fusion is the process that powers the sun and the stars. It is the reaction in which two atoms of hydrogen combine together, or fuse, to form an atom of helium. 

Light energy travels in discrete packets or units called photons.

A photocell (or photoelectric cell) works on the principle of the photoelectric effect, where light energy is absorbed by a material to release electrons, thereby generating an electric current.

Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, which is how the Sun's energy travels through the vacuum of space to reach Earth.

A solar halo is an optical phenomenon produced by the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals suspended in high-altitude cirrus clouds.

The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases, primarily carbon dioxide, trap infrared radiation reflected from the Earth's surface. This process warms the atmosphere.

Solar radiation,Volcanic heat , Lightning was the source of energy, in early days when atmosphere had more hydrogen, ammonia and methane while less of oxygen.

This is the correct option. The water cycle is not powered by the condensation of water vapours.

Plants perform photosynthesis using sunlight energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into food. Wind and moonlight don't provide sufficient energy; lightening is a typo for lightning, which plants don't use.

Ans - 2