Q. Which of the following is the value of solar constant ?
a) 1.6 kW/m²
b) 1.4 kW/m²
c) 1.2 kW/m²
d) 1.8 kW/m²
Question from BPSC PT 70, 2024
Correct Answer: b) 1.4 kW/m²
Explanation:
The solar constant is the amount of solar energy received per unit area at the outer edge of Earth’s atmosphere, when the Earth is at an average distance from the Sun. Its value is approximately 1.4 kW/m² (or 1361 W/m²).
This value represents the intensity of solar radiation reaching a surface perpendicular to the Sun’s rays in space, before any atmospheric absorption or scattering occurs. It is a critical parameter in understanding Earth’s energy balance and climate.
Thus, the correct answer is 1.4 kW/m².
