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Select the correct term for the following definition: Solar energy radiated from the sun and absorbed by Earth (incoming solar radiation).

a) Electromagnetic spectrum

b) Magnetic field radiation

c) Insolation

d) Solar irradiance

User Justswim
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Final answer:

The correct term for 'Solar energy radiated from the sun and absorbed by Earth (incoming solar radiation)' is insolation, which measures the solar radiation energy received and absorbs about 50 percent of the incident solar energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct term for the definition 'Solar energy radiated from the sun and absorbed by Earth (incoming solar radiation)' is c) Insolation. This term specifically refers to the measure of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area in a given time. It's important to note that insolation considers only the part of solar energy that is actually absorbed by the Earth, not all radiation emitted by the Sun. The Earth's atmosphere and surface absorb about 50 percent of the incident solar energy, which is mostly in the infrared region, with a significant amount in the visible spectrum, and a smaller proportion in the ultraviolet spectrum.

When we talk about the broader range of energy waves, including light waves and other forms of energy such as gamma rays or particles from radioactive decay, we refer to the term radiation. Meanwhile, terms like solar irradiance describe the power per unit area received from the Sun, and electromagnetic spectrum includes the whole range of all types of electromagnetic radiation.

User Rafik Farhad
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