A student is asked why solar panels are less efficient during early morning hours. Which electromagnetic property explains this observation?
Sunlight is less intense at low angle
In the early morning the Sun is low in the sky, so its rays strike the panel at a low angle.
The same energy is spread over a larger area and also travels through a thicker layer of atmosphere, so the sunlight reaching the panel is less intense.
The speed of light does not drop in air in a way that matters here, and Earth's rotation does not increase intensity.
Hence, the answer is that sunlight is less intense at low angle.
Similar Questions
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Important Questions from Electromagnetic Waves
- Consider the following statements about electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and choose the correct statements:
A. Scattering by the atmosphere depends on the size of atmospheric particles and the wavelength of radiation
B. Rayleigh scattering is not inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength
C. There are two types of scattering: elastic and inelastic scattering
D. The amount of Mie scattering is greater than Rayleigh scattering
Choose the correct answer from the options given below : - Which one of the following is NOT true for an electromagnetic wave?
- Which electromagnetic radiation(s) is/are used to cook food?
The waves used in radar systems are _______ waves.
Consider the two statements given below :
Statement-1: Infrared waves are also called heat waves.
Statement-2: Water molecules readily absorb infrared waves.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
