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What is Solar Radiation — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned science reading passage for middle school students explores the concept of solar radiation. Solar radiation is the energy from the Sun that travels as electromagnetic waves, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and infrared heat. The passage explains how solar radiation powers vital Earth systems such as photosynthesis and the water cycle. It also discusses how the atmosphere interacts with solar radiation, including how the ozone layer protects us from harmful UV rays and how solar panels use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into clean energy. This passage supports reading comprehension while reinforcing key science concepts from the NGSS standards. It connects to Earth and Space Science and Energy by helping students understand solar energy’s role in climate and human technology.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Solar radiation is the energy that comes from the Sun. It travels through space as electromagnetic waves, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and infrared (heat). This energy is essential for life on Earth because it powers processes like photosynthesis in plants, helps regulate Earth’s climate, and drives the water cycle.

The Sun constantly emits energy in all directions. When this radiation reaches Earth, some of it is absorbed by the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The rest is reflected back into space. The energy that is absorbed warms the planet, allowing for a range of weather patterns and supporting ecosystems. This warming effect is known as the greenhouse effect, which helps keep Earth’s temperature stable.

Different types of solar radiation affect Earth in different ways. Ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburns and is harmful in large amounts, but it also helps our bodies produce vitamin D. Fortunately, the ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs most of the harmful UV rays. Infrared radiation is felt as heat and is responsible for warming the air, ground, and water.

Solar radiation isn’t the same everywhere. It depends on the time of day, season, and location on Earth. For example, areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, while the poles get less. This difference in solar energy affects climates around the world and explains why some areas are hot and others are cold.

Humans use solar radiation in technology, too. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. This clean energy source is becoming more popular as we look for alternatives to fossil fuels. It’s renewable, doesn’t pollute, and is available almost everywhere the Sun shines.

Solar radiation is a powerful natural force that supports life, shapes our environment, and offers clean energy solutions for the future.

Fun Fact: It only takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds for sunlight to travel 93 million miles from the Sun to Earth!

What is solar radiation?

Wind from the SunEnergy from the EarthEnergy from the Sun in wavesLight made by fire

Which process in plants depends on solar radiation?

RespirationDecompositionPhotosynthesisFermentation

What type of solar radiation is felt as heat?

X-raysUltraviolet raysInfrared radiationGamma rays

What layer of the atmosphere protects us from UV rays?

TroposphereOzone layerMesosphereThermosphere

Why do areas near the equator receive more sunlight?

They are higher in elevationThey have more treesThe Sun shines there more directlyThey are closer to the Moon