Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources

What is the primary advantage of renewable energy sources in terms of energy security?

Increased reliance on traditional and conventional methods

Depletion of natural resources

Vulnerability to supply disruptions

Reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels (correct)

Which of the following is a significant economic opportunity associated with renewable energy?

Job creation and stimulation of economic growth (correct)

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Decreased investment in research and development

Increased dependence on fossil fuels

What is a major environmental benefit of transitioning to renewable energy sources?

Increased reliance on traditional energy sources

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation of climate change (correct)

Depletion of finite resources

Increased air and water pollution

Why is there a growing emphasis on transitioning to renewable energy sources?

Due to the finite nature of fossil fuels and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of decentralized power generation through renewable energy sources?

Enhanced energy resilience Signup and view all the answers

What is the main driving force behind the transition to renewable energy sources?

Environmental concerns and technological advancements Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of energy for power generation in India?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Paris Agreement?

To limit global temperature increases and reduce greenhouse gas emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge posed by rapid urbanization in India?

Meeting the growing energy demand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme in India?

To improve energy efficiency in industries Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate value of the solar constant in watts per square meter?

1361 W/m² Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the solar declination angle?

It determines the latitude on Earth where the Sun is directly overhead at solar noon during the equinoxes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the solar azimuth angle?

It provides information about the direction of the Sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the angle of incidence in solar energy applications?

It determines the efficiency of solar panels Signup and view all the answers

What is the wavelength range of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

10 nm to 400 nm Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy source harvests energy from the sun?

Solar energy Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source captures kinetic energy from the wind?

Wind energy Signup and view all the answers

What is a source of renewable energy that taps into Earth's internal heat?

Geothermal energy Signup and view all the answers

Which energy source can be considered renewable if sourced sustainably and uses organic materials for energy?

Biomass Signup and view all the answers

From which type of energy source are traditional biomass (wood, dung) when harvested unsustainably derived?

Non-renewable biomass Signup and view all the answers

What is the wavelength range of visible light?

400 nm to 700 nm Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the concentrating optics system in a pyrheliometer?

To focus sunlight onto a sensor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the black coating on the sensing element of a pyrheliometer?

To maximize the absorption of solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is direct solar irradiance, as measured by a pyrheliometer?

The amount of solar radiation received per unit area on a surface perpendicular to the Sun's rays Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of calibrating a pyrheliometer?

To ensure the accuracy of the instrument's measurements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the glass sphere or prism in a sunshine recorder?

To capture the focused sunlight on the recording medium Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the daily rotation of the sunshine recorder?

To synchronize the recorder with the sun's movement across the sky Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the focused sunlight on the recording medium?

A burn or mark is created on the recording medium Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of modern sunshine recorders?

Automatic mechanisms for data collection and analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of sunshine data in climatology?

It characterizes different climate zones and understands the influence of solar radiation on local and global weather patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of deploying sunshine recorders globally?

To understand regional and global patterns of sunshine duration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of sunshine data in meteorology?

Weather forecasting and solar energy resource assessment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of sunshine recorders in understanding the Earth's energy balance?

They contribute valuable information to meteorological databases and climate studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of measuring the length of the burns or marks on the recording medium?

The sunshine hours are calculated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of a sunshine recorder that captures the focused sunlight?

The recording medium Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a pyrheliometer and a pyranometer?

A pyrheliometer measures direct solar irradiance, while a pyranometer measures total solar irradiance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key feature of a quality pyranometer?

Sensitivity to solar radiation from all directions Signup and view all the answers

How is solar radiation typically measured in terms of units?

Watts per square meter Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a pyranometer helps to minimize heat loss while allowing sunlight to enter?

Glass or quartz dome Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a sunshine recorder?

To determine the duration of sunshine at a location Signup and view all the answers