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solar

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Solar is an adjective that means "of or relating to the sun." The sun is a star, and it is the source of most of the energy on Earth. Solar energy is the radiant energy emitted by the sun. It can be used to generate electricity, heat water, and power vehicles.

Solar energy is a renewable energy source, which means that it can be used over and over again without running out. It is also a clean energy source, which means that it does not produce greenhouse gases. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular as a way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Solar energy can be captured using a variety of technologies, including solar panels, solar thermal collectors, and solar sails. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, solar thermal collectors convert sunlight into heat, and solar sails use sunlight to propel spacecraft.

Solar energy is a promising energy source for the future. It is clean, renewable, and abundant. As solar technology continues to improve, solar energy is likely to play an increasingly important role in our energy mix.

How can the word be used?

Solar panels can be used to generate electricity.

solar

Different forms of the word

Adjective:

  • relating to or coming from the sun.
  • using or powered by the sun.

Noun:

  • a solar panel or other device that uses the sun's energy.

Etymology

The word "solar" comes from the Latin word "sol", which means "sun".

The first recorded use of the word "solar" in English was in the 14th century.

The word "solar" is derived from the Latin word "sol", which is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European word *sol, which also means "sun".

Question

What does solar mean?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the process of solar energy generation and its significance as a renewable source of power, highlighting how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.

Answer:

Describe the process of solar energy generation and its importance as a sustainable power source, focusing on the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy through solar panels.

Answer:

Solar energy generation involves harnessing the abundant and renewable energy from the Sun and converting it into usable electricity. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells, play a central role in this process.

Solar panels are made up of semiconductor materials, often silicon, which have the unique property of generating electricity when exposed to sunlight. When photons, particles of light, strike the surface of a solar panel, they transfer their energy to electrons in the semiconductor material. This energy excites the electrons, allowing them to move and create an electric current.

The electric current generated by the movement of electrons can be captured and used as electricity to power homes, businesses, and various devices. The direct conversion of sunlight into electricity through solar panels makes solar energy a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Solar energy offers numerous benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing dependence on non-renewable resources, and contributing to energy independence. It also has the potential to lower electricity bills and create a more sustainable energy future.