solar radiation
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Definition
- Noun:
- Electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun: "Solar radiation" refers to the full spectrum of energy, including light and heat, that is produced by the sun and travels through space to reach Earth.
Usage
- "Solar radiation" is a non-count noun used to describe the phenomenon as a whole. It is commonly discussed in scientific, environmental, and energy contexts.
- It is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system and for life through photosynthesis.
Examples
- Noun:
- The Earth's atmosphere filters some of the harmful solar radiation.
- Solar panels convert solar radiation into electricity.
- Scientists measure solar radiation to study climate change.
Advanced Usage
- "Incident solar radiation": the amount of solar radiation striking a given surface area.
- The efficiency of a solar cell depends on the amount of incident solar radiation.
- "Direct/Diffuse solar radiation": "Direct" radiation comes straight from the sun, while "diffuse" radiation is scattered by the atmosphere.
- On a cloudy day, most of the solar radiation reaching the ground is diffuse.
Variants and Related Words
- Insolation (n): a term often used interchangeably with "solar radiation," specifically referring to the solar radiation received by a planet or surface.
- Sunlight (n): the visible part of solar radiation.
- Solar irradiance (n): the power per unit area received from the sun, a measurable quantity of solar radiation.
Synonyms
- Sun's rays: a more general, non-technical term.
- Solar energy: often used when referring to the exploitable power from the sun.
Related Phrases
- Solar radiation management: (Technical phrase) a proposed set of technologies to reflect a small amount of sunlight back into space to mitigate global warming.
- Solar radiation management is a controversial topic in climate science.
- Solar radiation pressure: (Technical phrase) the force exerted by solar radiation on objects in space.
- Solar radiation pressure can affect the trajectory of satellites.
Noun
- radiation from the sun