What is difference between solar radiation and global radiation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between solar radiation and global radiation, exploring their definitions, characteristics, and the relationship between them. Participants engage in clarifying concepts related to electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with the atmosphere and ground.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define solar radiation as electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun, encompassing various forms such as visible light, radio waves, infrared, x-rays, and UV rays.
  • Global radiation is described as the sum of direct and diffuse radiation that reaches the ground.
  • One participant suggests that solar radiation may not enter the ground, indicating uncertainty about how these forms of radiation interact with the Earth's surface.
  • Another participant points out that solar radiation can be felt when standing in sunlight, implying a direct interaction with the ground.
  • References to an external article illustrate that solar radiation is represented as a specific measurement, while global radiation includes both direct solar radiation and indirect atmospheric radiation.
  • There is confusion regarding the terms "global radiation" and "ground radiation," with one participant questioning if they are the same.
  • A later reply corrects a previous typo regarding the terminology used, but uncertainty about the sources of information persists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and relationships between solar radiation, global radiation, and ground radiation. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing interpretations present.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of radiation types and their interactions with the atmosphere and ground are not fully explored. There are also unresolved questions about the terminology used in the discussion.

shivajikobardan
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Homework Statement
What is difference between solar radiation and global radiation?
Relevant Equations
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Solar radiation-:

it is em radiation emitted by son. it is short wave radiation. it comes in many forms.
1) visible light
2) radio waves
3) infrared
4) x rays
5) uv rays

Global radiation-:
it is sum of direct and diffuse radiation arriving at a ground.

What are the differences between these two?
 
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shivajikobardan said:
What are the differences between these two?
What do you think? (Hint: there is something important between the Sun and the ground.)
 
DrClaude said:
What do you think? (Hint: there is something important between the Sun and the ground.)
Hmm not sure
maybe solar radiation doesn't enter the ground?
 
shivajikobardan said:
Hmm not sure
maybe solar radiation doesn't enter the ground?
I'm sure that you can feel the Sun's rays when it is shining on you standing on the ground.
 
Look at the first picture in this article: https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/energy.
1651069294844.png

Solar radiation is the blue arrow labelled 100 at the top.

Global radiation consists of:
  • Direct (solar) radiation (the blue arrows labelled 47 (absorbed) at the bottom and 7 (reflected)) plus
  • Indirect (atmospheric) radiation (the red arrow labelled 98 at the bottom).
 
Last edited:
DrClaude said:
What do you think? (Hint: there is something important between the Sun and the ground.)
 
pbuk said:
Look at the first picture in this article: https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/energy.
View attachment 300650
Solar radiation is the blue arrow labelled 100 at the top.

Ground radiation consists of:
  • Direct (solar) radiation (the blue arrows labelled 47 (absorbed) at the bottom and 7 (reflected)) plus
  • Indirect (atmospheric) radiation (the red arrow labelled 98 at the bottom).
it is global radiation...it is not ground radiation...are they same?
 
shivajikobardan said:
it is global radiation...it is not ground radiation...are they same?
Yes sorry, that was a typo, I have edited it.

I am not sure what sources you are using to learn about this but I think the US government weather site I linked to is a good one.
 
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