The Sun continuously emits two kinds of radiation: electromagnetic and corpuscular.
- Electromagnetic radiation provides light and warmth, but also consists of invisible radiation some of which can be harmful such as ultraviolet.
- Corpuscular radiation is made up of charged particles (ions and electrons) (Solar Wind)
Energy from the Sun at the speed of light in the form of a wave
Electromagnetic solar radiation is a phenomenon by which energy escapes from the Sun at the speed of light in the form of a wave. There are several types of radiation that can be expressed in terms of energy, wavelength or frequency (number of waves per second).
Solar radiation energy types
- Visible sunlight
In a rainbow, the solar rays are arranged according to their wavelength (see illustration). From purple to red, the wave gets longer. - Infrared (IR)
With a wavelength larger than the one of red, it is not visible, but we feel its warmth. - Ultraviolet (UV)
Its wavelength is smaller than the one of purple. This part of the solar radiation, which is not visible either, can be harmful for humans.
Electromagnetic radiation: several types of radiation can be expressed in terms of energy, wavelength or frequency. Image credits BIRA-IASB.