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Pg:- 124,125,126
Ch:- 7
Sun energy, often referred to as solar energy, is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, which is the primary source of energy for Earth. It plays a vital role in supporting life and powering natural processes.
How Sun Energy is Produced
Nuclear Fusion: The sun generates energy through nuclear fusion in its core. This process involves hydrogen nuclei (protons) fusing to form helium under extreme temperatures and pressure.
Result: A small amount of the hydrogen’s mass is converted into energy, released as electromagnetic radiation.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: The sun's energy spans a range of wavelengths, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and infrared (heat).
Types of Solar Energy
Light Energy: The visible part of the solar spectrum supports photosynthesis in plants and provides natural illumination.
Heat Energy: The infrared radiation from the sun warms the Earth's surface, driving weather patterns and climate systems.
Ultraviolet Energy: While mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, UV light affects ecosystems and can be harnessed for certain technological applications.
Applications of Sun Energy
Solar Power:
Photovoltaic (PV) Cells: Convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Solar Thermal Systems: Use solar heat to generate steam for electricity or to heat water.
Natural Processes:
Photosynthesis: Plants use sunlight to produce food and oxygen.
Hydrological Cycle: Sun energy drives evaporation, leading to rainfall.
Wind and Ocean Currents: Caused by differential heating of the Earth's surface.
Daily Life:
Heating and lighting homes.
Solar-powered gadgets, like calculators and chargers.
Advantages of Solar Energy
Renewable: It’s inexhaustible as long as the sun shines.
Clean: No greenhouse gas emissions during use.
Abundant: The Earth receives more solar energy in an hour than humans consume in a year.
Challenges
Intermittency: Solar energy depends on weather and daylight conditions.
Storage: Requires efficient energy storage systems like batteries.
Initial Costs: High upfront costs for solar panels and installation.
Global Impact
Solar energy is a cornerstone in the transition to sustainable energy systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
How do solar panels convert sunlight into electricity?
What are the benefits and challenges of using solar energy compared to other renewable energy sources?
How does the efficiency of solar panels vary with different environmental conditions?
What are the environmental impacts of manufacturing and disposing of solar panels?
How can solar energy be integrated into the existing power grid?
What are some innovative applications of solar energy in everyday life?
How do government policies and incentives influence the adoption of solar energy?
What are the future trends and advancements in solar energy technology?
1. Given that solar energy drives the hydrological cycle, discuss how a prolonged period of cloud cover might impact water availability in a specific ecosystem.
2. How does the ozone layer affect the types of solar energy that reach the Earth’s surface, and what are the potential impacts on human health if ozone levels are depleted?
3. Describe how the differential heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun contributes to wind patterns, and provide one example of how this knowledge is applied in renewable energy.
4.Analyze how the adoption of solar energy could impact global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Include a discussion on both potential benefits and limitations.
5. Calculate the potential energy yield of a photovoltaic system in a location receiving 5 hours of peak sunlight daily, if the system's efficiency is 20% and the total panel area is 10 square meters. Assume solar irradiance is 1000 W/m².