By what primary heat transfer mechanism does the sun warm the earth?
A) radiation
B) conduction
C) convection
D) All of the above processes are equally important in combination.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary mechanism by which the sun warms the Earth is radiation. Heat is transferred through the vacuum of space from the sun to the Earth without the need for a medium, which is characteristic of radiation. Conduction and convection require material media for heat transfer and are not significant in the vacuum of space between the sun and Earth.

By What Primary Heat Transfer Mechanism Does the Sun Warm