Energy from the sun reaches Earth by
A
conduction and radiation.
B
radiation only.
C
conduction and convection.
D
conduction only.
B. radiation only.
B
radiation only.
The correct answer is B) radiation only.
To understand this, let's break down the different processes mentioned:
1. Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of energy through direct contact between particles. In the case of energy from the sun reaching Earth, there is no direct physical contact between the sun and Earth's surface or atmosphere, so conduction is not the primary method of energy transfer.
2. Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluid or gas. While convection does play a role in redistributing heat on Earth's surface and in the atmosphere, it is not the primary method by which energy from the sun reaches the Earth.
3. Radiation: Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves, without the need for a medium. Energy from the sun is primarily transferred to Earth through radiation. The sun emits a wide range of electromagnetic waves, with the majority being in the form of visible light and infrared radiation. These waves travel through space and reach Earth, where they are absorbed by the planet's surface, the atmosphere, and other objects, raising their temperature.
Therefore, option B, radiation only, is the correct answer as it best describes how energy from the sun reaches Earth.