Question

Which two forms of energy are usually converted directly from solar radiation for houses in temperate climates. a. Thermal and Electrical b. Chemical and Nuclear c. Mechanical and Electrical

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 'a': Thermal and Electrical energy

Step-by-step explanation:

We know that the solar radiation that we receive from sun provides us heat. Thus the solar radiation is a natural source of thermal energy which can be utilized in solar cooker's to cook food or to warm water to generate steam in Solar thermal power plants. The steam generated is used to drive a turbine and hence produce electricity.

As we know that solar radiation is converted into directly usable forms of energy by the solar panels. The solar panels work on the principle of photo-electric effect in which light energy is directly converted into electrical energy to run our electrical devices at home such as light bulbs, fans, e.t.c. An excellent application of this principle is the international space station that orbits the earth and is fully powered by solar energy.