70ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. Pre-2024
Which of the following is the value of the solar constant ?
a$1.6 kW/m^2$
b$1.4 kW/m^2$✓ Correct
c$1.2 kW/m^2$
d$1.8 kW/m^2$
Explanation
The solar constant is the amount of solar energy received per second per unit area at the upper boundary of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is also defined as the flux density of solar radiation. It is not a truly constant value, because it can vary with time. According to NASA, the solar constant is about $1.361 kW/m^2$, and it keeps varying between $1.360$ and $1.367 kW/m^2$. Therefore, the nearest option (b) is correct.
general-science