Solar radiation which reaches the surface without scattering or absorbed is called

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Option A: Beam Radiation

Explanation & Concepts:
Beam radiation, also known as direct radiation, refers to the solar radiation received from the sun without having been scattered or absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. It travels in a straight line from the solar disc to the surface of the earth.

Working Principle: When solar photons enter the atmosphere, they interact with atmospheric particles. Beam radiation represents the portion of light that maintains its original trajectory. In contrast, diffuse radiation results from the scattering of photons by clouds, aerosols, and air molecules, which alters their original path.

Key Formulas: $I_g = I_b + I_d$ — where $I_g$ is global radiation, $I_b$ is beam radiation, and $I_d$ is diffuse radiation.

Key Points: Beam radiation is the most important component for concentrating solar power (CSP) collectors.; It is measured using an instrument called a pyrheliometer.; The intensity of beam radiation is highly dependent on the air mass and the angle of incidence.

Advantages: High intensity for thermal energy conversion; Can be focused by lenses or mirrors

Disadvantages: Blocked by clouds and heavy atmospheric pollution; Intensity varies significantly with time of day and season

Applications: Solar water heaters; Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants; Photovoltaic tracking systems

Additional Info: Diffuse radiation reaches the surface after being scattered by atmospheric constituents.. Option D (Diffuse radiation) is the component of radiation scattered by particles, effectively arriving from all directions of the sky dome.

Answer: A is correct — Beam radiation is the portion of sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface directly without being scattered or absorbed by the atmosphere.

Exam Tip: Always remember that Pyrheliometers measure Beam radiation, whereas Pyranometers measure Global/Diffuse radiation.

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Option B: Infrared radiation

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Option C: Ultraviolet radiation

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Option D: Diffuse radiation

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