Which energy is primarily derived from sunlight and can power devices like calculators?

Which energy is primarily derived from sunlight and can power devices like calculators?

• A. Wind
• B. Biomass
• C. Geothermal
• D. Solar

Answer: (D)

This question tests recognizing what comes directly from sunlight and can run small electronic devices. Solar energy powers calculators because it uses photovoltaic cells that convert light directly into electricity. When sunlight shines on these cells, photons knock electrons loose in a semiconductor, creating an electric current that can power the calculator. The other energy types involve sunlight in a more indirect way or come from entirely different sources: wind uses air movement caused by solar heating but must first be captured by turbines; biomass stores energy captured by plants from sunlight and then converted later; geothermal energy comes from the Earth’s internal heat, not from the sun. So solar energy is the direct, sunlight-derived source that can power a calculator.

This question tests recognizing what comes directly from sunlight and can run small electronic devices. Solar energy powers calculators because it uses photovoltaic cells that convert light directly into electricity. When sunlight shines on these cells, photons knock electrons loose in a semiconductor, creating an electric current that can power the calculator. The other energy types involve sunlight in a more indirect way or come from entirely different sources: wind uses air movement caused by solar heating but must first be captured by turbines; biomass stores energy captured by plants from sunlight and then converted later; geothermal energy comes from the Earth’s internal heat, not from the sun. So solar energy is the direct, sunlight-derived source that can power a calculator.