
Content Curator
Solar energy is defined as the energy of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sun that is capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, and generating electricity.
- It is the most powerful and vast energy source.
- The total solar energy incident on the surface of the earth is much more than the present and future energy needs of the world.
- If properly utilized, it can meet all future energy demands.
- Therefore, solar energy is being used to produce electricity.
- Solar Energy is expected to be the most popular type of renewable energy.
- Solar energy is inexhaustible and non-polluting, unlike non-renewable sources such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum.
Very Short Answers Questions [1 Mark Questions]
Ques. What is the total amount of solar energy received by Earth and atmosphere?
- 3.8 x 1024 J/year
- 2.1 x 1024 J/year
- 9.2 x 1024 J/year
- 5.4 x 1024 J/year
Ans. The correct answer is a. 3.8 x 1024 J/year
Explanation: The total amount of solar energy received by the Earth and atmosphere is approximately 3.8 x 1024 J/year. This is a huge amount of energy, and it is equivalent to about 10,000 times the amount of energy that humans consume each year.
Ques. Which of the following energy has the greatest potential among all the sources of renewable energy?
- Thermal energy
- Solar energy
- Hydro-electrical energy
- Wind Energy
Ans. The correct answer is b. Solar energy
Explanation: Solar energy has the highest potential of any renewable energy source that originates from the sun. This energy keeps the earth's temperature above that of colder space, creates wind currents in the ocean and atmosphere, supports the water cycle, and causes photosynthesis in plants.
Ques. Solar energy is a
- Renewable energy
- Non-renewable energy
Ans. The correct answer is a. Renewable energy
Explanation: Solar energy is a renewable source of energy because it is constantly replenished by the Sun. Unlike fossil fuels, which are a finite resource, solar energy can be used to generate electricity and power a variety of other applications without running out.
Ques. In what form is solar energy radiated from the sun?
- Longitudinal wave
- Transverse waves
- Electromagnetic waves
- Electrons
Ans. The correct answer is c. Electromagnetic waves
Explanation: The sun emits solar energy in the form of electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 micrometers. Out of all the solar energy radiations that reach the earth's atmosphere, 8% are ultraviolet radiation, 40% are visible light, and 46% are infrared radiation.
Ques. Which is the non-mechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity?
- Voltameter
- Photovoltaic cell
- Barometer
- Thermometer
Ans. The correct answer is b. Photovoltaic cell
Explanation: A photovoltaic (PV) cell, also known as a solar cell, is a nonmechanical device that converts sunlight into electricity.
Ques. The scattered solar radiation is called
- Infrared Radiation
- Beam Radiation
- Diffuse radiation
- Direct Radiation
Ans. The correct answer is c. Diffuse radiation
Explanation: Diffuse radiation received from the sun after its direction has been altered due to atmospheric reflection and dispersion. Because solar radiation is diffused in all directions in the atmosphere, diffuse radiation reaches Earth from all directions.
Ques. Insolation is less
- when the sun is right above the head
- at night
- when the sun is low
- at sunrise
Ans. The correct answer is c. when the sun is low
Explanation: The insolation at a certain place or position on the earth's surface is affected by several factors, including the sun's altitude in the sky. Because of absorption and dispersion, insolation is lower when the sun is low in the sky than when it is higher in the sky.
Ques. Trapping the sun’s energy without using any mechanical devices is known as
- Solar thermal energy
- Active solar energy
- Concentrating solar power
- Passive solar energy
Ans. The correct answer is d. Passive solar energy
Explanation: There are no mechanical devices used in passive solar energy to trap the radiation from the sun.
Ques. Solar energy is one of the main sources of photosynthesis.
- True
- False
Ans. The correct answer is a. True
Explanation: The process of using and converting light or solar energy into chemical energy is known as photosynthesis. Chlorophyll in plants absorbs sunlight. Light energy is transformed into chemical energy and stored as ATP molecules. This energy is used by plants for the life processes.
Ques. Which among the following is the cleanest form of energy
- Natural gas
- Nuclear power
- Solar energy
- Fossil fuels
Ans. The correct answer is c. Solar energy
Explanation: Solar energy is considered one of the cleanest types of energy since it does not pollute the environment.
Short Answers Questions [2 Marks Questions]
Ques. What is solar energy?
Ans. Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the Sun that is collected using several continuously developing technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants, and artificial photosynthesis.
Ques. What is energy?
Ans. Energy is a measurable quantity that is transferred to a body or physical system and can be observed in the form of work, heat, and light. Energy is conserved, meaning that it can neither be created nor destroyed, only converted from one form to another.
Ques. What is solar power?
Ans. Solar power is the direct or indirect conversion of the energy of the sun into electricity using photovoltaics or concentrated solar power. Using the photovoltaic effect, photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current.
Ques. What is the basic principle of the solar thermal system?
Ans. The basic concept behind solar thermal heating is to collect the energy of the sun by converting it into heat, which is then delivered to our residence or business heating system in the form of hot water and space heating.
Ques. How do solar panels work?
Ans. When the sun shines on a solar panel, the energy is absorbed by the PV cells in the panel. This energy generates electrical charges that move in reaction to an internal electrical field in the cell, resulting in the flow of electricity.
Ques. What is a solar cell?
Ans. A solar cell, also known as a photovoltaic cell, is an electrical device that uses the photovoltaic effect to convert light energy directly into electricity. It is a type of photoelectric cell, which is a device whose electrical properties change when exposed to light.
Ques. What is renewable energy?
Ans. Renewable energy is energy derived from renewable resources that are restored naturally. Sunlight, wind, water movement, and geothermal heat are all examples of renewable resources. Although most renewable energy sources are environmentally friendly, some are not.
Ques. What is non-renewable energy?
Ans. A non-renewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be replaced rapidly enough by natural processes to keep up with use. Carbon-based fossil fuels are one example.
Ques. What is passive solar heating?
Ans. Passive solar heating is a design technique that uses the heat and light of the sun to naturally heat and cool buildings. It does not require the use of any mechanical equipment such as pumps or fans.
Also Check:
| Related Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Types of Energy | The Principle of Conservation of Energy |
| Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Cell | Uses of Solar Panel | Renewable Energy |
Long Answers Questions [3 Marks Questions]
Ques. What are the uses of solar energy?
Ans. Solar energy can be used in
- Water heating: Solar energy is used to replace electric and gas heaters since it has a higher efficiency of 15-30%.
- Heating of swimming pools: To keep the pool warm, solar blankets are used. Another option is to use a solar water heater to keep the water warm.
- Cooking purposes: Solar cookers are used to prepare meals. Food is heated, cooked, and pasteurized using solar energy. A solar cooker is made out of an elevated heat sink that allows food to be cooked thoroughly when placed inside.
Ques. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
Ans. The difference between renewable and non-renewable energy resources is given below
| Renewable Energy Resources | Non-renewable Energy Resources |
|---|---|
| Renewable resources can be used and reused continuously, they will not deplete over time. | Nonrenewable resources have a fixed lifespan and cannot be replenished once depleted. |
| They are environmentally friendly and sustainable. | They emit carbon dioxide and produce pollution. |
| They are also known as inexhaustible resources of energy. | They are also known as exhaustible resources of energy. |
| Examples of renewable energy resources are water, wind, solar energy, biomass, etc.. | Examples of non-renewable energy resources are fossil fuels, minerals, etc. |
Ques. What are the advantages of solar cookers?
Ans. The advantages of solar cookers are
- It does not require fuels like oil, gases, or firewood making a solar cooker cost-effective.
- It depends on sunlight, a renewable source of energy, and is abundantly available.
- It has a simple design and low maintenance cost.
- It does not produce smoke.
- Cooking is hygienic
Very Long Answers Questions [5 Marks Questions]
Ques. What are the different types of solar energy?
Ans. Solar energy can be classified into two categories based on the mode of conversion and the type of energy it is converted into. Passive solar energy and active solar energy are two modes of conversion, while solar thermal energy, photovoltaic solar power, and concentrating solar power are three types of energy that solar energy can be converted into.
- Passive solar energy: Solar energy that is trapped and used without the need for mechanical devices.
- Active solar energy: Solar energy that is collected, stored, and distributed using mechanical devices.
- Solar thermal energy: Heat energy obtained from the sun.
- Photovoltaic solar power: Electrical energy obtained from the sun by converting sunlight into electricity using solar cells.
- Concentrating solar power: A type of solar thermal energy that is used to generate electricity.
Ques. What are the advantages of solar energy?
Ans. The following are the advantages of solar energy
- Renewable energy source: Solar energy is a renewable source of energy. It is available in all areas of the world and can be used in various parts of the world. Unlike certain other energy sources, solar energy cannot be exhausted.
- Clean energy: Solar energy is a clean source of energy because it does not produce any greenhouse gases or other pollutants. No combustion or other chemical reactions are involved in the process of converting sunlight into electricity, so there are no pollutants released into the air or water.
- Reliable: Solar energy can be stored in batteries, resolving the issue of unreliability. By storing solar energy when it is available and then releasing it when it is needed, battery storage can help in dealing with the issue of intermittency. This enables solar energy to be used for producing electricity even when the sun is not shining.
- Low maintenance costs: Solar energy has the potential to reduce energy costs by producing electrical energy that may be used to counter the amount of electricity purchased from the energy provider. This can result in large savings on electricity costs, particularly for households and companies that use a lot of power.
- Technology development: Technology in the solar power industry is constantly developing, and advancements will continue in the future. Quantum physics and nanotechnology advancements have the potential to increase the efficiency of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of solar power systems.
Ques. What are the disadvantages of solar energy?
Ans. The disadvantages of solar energy are as follows
- Solar energy storage is expensive: Solar energy must be used immediately or stored in big batteries. These batteries, which are utilized in off-grid solar systems, can be charged during the day and used at night. This is an excellent method for using solar energy throughout the day, but it is also extremely costly.
- Weather dependent: Solar panels can continue to gather electricity on cloudy and rainy days, but their efficiency decreases. Because solar panels depend on sunlight to collect solar energy, a few cloudy or rainy days can have a significant effect on the energy system. Also, solar energy cannot be collected at night.
- Cost: Solar panels have a fairly high cost. This includes the purchase of solar panels, an inverter, batteries, wiring, and installation.
- Uses a lot of space: The more electricity that needs to be produced, the more solar panels are needed to collect as much sunlight as possible. Solar PV panels require a lot of space, and some roofs are not big enough to accommodate the number of solar panels that may be wanted.
Previous Year Questions
- Extraction of metal from the ore cassiterite involves...[JEE Advanced 2011]
- Commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are...[NEET UG 2014]
- Interfascicular cambium and cork cambium are formed due to..
- Pneumotaxic centre is present in...[UP CPMT 2007]
- Reaction of HBr with propene in the presence of peroxide gives….[NEET UG 2004]
- Assuming the expression for the pressure exerted by the gas on the walls of the container, it can be shown that pressure is...[MHT CET 2016]
- Which among the following is the strongest acid?...[TS EAMCET 2017]
- Isopropyl alcohol on oxidation forms..
- A vector is not changed if..
- Which of the following arrangements does not represent the correct order of the property stated against it?...[JEE Main 2013]
- The major product of the following reaction is...[JEE Main 2019]
- Major product of the following reaction is..[JEE Main 2023]
- The percentage of nitrogen in urea is about..
- The electric field at a point is
- Which of the following statements is true?..[JKCET 2006]
For Latest Updates on Upcoming Board Exams, Click Here: https://t.me/class_10_12_board_updates
Check-Out:






Comments