|
|
- Almost all energy on earth
comes from the sun. Wind, Hydro-power, Fossil Fuels, Solar and Biomass
all originate from the energy of the sun.
- Only nuclear energy, energy
from the heat of the
earth and energy from the tides in the ocean are not solar in origin.
- The sun is made up of 70%
hydrogen, 28% helium, and 2% other small atoms. The estimated temperature
of the sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit.
- The sun produces heat and
light (photons) from thermonuclear fusion (H-->He). The loss of mass
in this reaction is turned into energy.
- The sun radiates the heat
equivalent of 400 billion trillion tons of burning coal every hour.
- The energy from the sun
takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the earth. It travels over 93
million miles.
- The earth receives 1/2 billionth
of the sun's total radiated energy. That is about 1000 Watts/sq meter.
- Energy from the sun can
be used in three ways: to produce heat, to produce chemicals, and to
produce electricity.
solar
energy | chemical
energy | photovoltaics | solar
thermal
home | animated version
| glossary | activities
| resources
|
|