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How much time does it take sunlight to reach the Earth?

a. 8 min 0 sec
b. 8 min 10 sec
c. 8 min 20 sec
d. 8 min 30 sec

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Sunlight takes approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the Sun to Earth, which is about 150 million kilometers or one astronomical unit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is regarding the time it takes for sunlight to reach Earth. Light from the Sun travels at a speed of approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (the speed of light in a vacuum). Since the average Earth-Sun distance is about 150 million kilometers, which is also known as one astronomical unit (AU), we can calculate the time it takes for sunlight to reach Earth. Using the speed of light and the average distance from the Sun to Earth, it takes sunlight approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel this distance. Thus, the correct answer to the question is option c. 8 min 20 sec.

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