Question

An architect knows that a home receiving a lot of exposure from the sun will benefit from the heating effects of sunlight if there is a lot of glass in the home's design. By which method of heat transfer will sunlight heat the home?

A. Radiation
B. Convection
C. Sunlight

Answer 1

Sunlight heats a home through the method of radiation, which transfers heat via electromagnetic waves and is key to solar heating designs for energy-efficient homes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The method of heat transfer by which sunlight heats a home is called radiation. Unlike conduction, which requires direct contact, or convection, which involves the movement of fluids, radiation transfers energy through electromagnetic waves. Sunlight passes through the windows of the home and is absorbed by materials inside, such as walls and furniture, which then emit this energy as heat. This method is highly effective for solar heating, and is used in designing energy-efficient homes that take advantage of the sun's energy to reduce the need for conventional heating methods.