Light

Solar Radiation

Definition

Solar radiation refers to the energy emitted by the Sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. It includes visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and infrared (IR) radiation.

Analogy

Think of solar radiation as a powerful beam from a giant flashlight. Just like a flashlight emits light that can be seen and felt, solar radiation from the Sun provides us with both visible light and heat energy.

Related terms

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: A type of solar radiation that has shorter wavelengths than visible light and can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and damage to living organisms.

Infrared (IR) Radiation: A type of solar radiation that has longer wavelengths than visible light and is responsible for transferring heat energy from the Sun to Earth.

Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants use solar radiation (specifically, sunlight) to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (energy-rich sugar) and oxygen.