Definition

1. 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

1. radiation from the sun