Final answer:
The sun's solar spectrum shows the distribution of solar energy across various wavelengths, including UV, visible, and infrared light, and is represented by the solar spectrum. The correct option is a).
Step-by-step explanation:
If you look at the amount of radiation given off by the sun at each wavelength, you can obtain the sun's solar spectrum. The solar spectrum displays the sun's energy output across different wavelengths, ranging from shorter wavelength ultraviolet light through the colors of visible light, and into the longer wavelength infrared radiation.
This entire range of the sun's electromagnetic radiation is important in various applications, including the generation of solar power and understanding the impact of solar energy on Earth's climate.
Indeed, the sun radiates energy as a nearly perfect blackbody, characterized by a temperature of about 6000 K.
The solar spectrum representation helps us understand how much energy arrives at the Earth in different forms, such as in the visible and infrared regions, and the ultraviolet which is a relatively small amount. About half of the solar energy arriving at Earth is absorbed, while the rest is reflected or radiates back into space.
This broad distribution of solar energy is important for life on Earth as it includes the wavelengths necessary for processes such as photosynthesis and the production of vitamin D in human skin. Option a) is the correct one.