Q139 · UPPSC Prelims 2022 · Set B · General Studies

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Most of the sources of energy we use, represent stored solar energy. Which of the following is NOT ultimately derived from the sun's energy?

A Biomass energy
B Nuclear energy
C Wind energy
D Geothermal energy

Correct answer: (b) Nuclear energy

Explanation

  1. A

    Biomass energy

    Option (a) claims that biomass energy is ultimately derived from the sun's energy, which is correct because plants use solar energy for photosynthesis to grow biomass.

  2. B

    Nuclear energy

    Option (b) claims that nuclear energy is not ultimately derived from the sun's energy, which is the correct key because nuclear energy relies on fissile materials like uranium whose energy originates from ancient nucleosynthesis and supernova explosions rather than modern solar radiation.

  3. C

    Wind energy

    Option (c) claims that wind energy is ultimately derived from the sun's energy, which is true because wind currents are generated by the uneven heating of the Earth's atmosphere by the sun.

  4. D

    Geothermal energy

    Option (d) claims that geothermal energy is ultimately derived from the sun's energy, which is incorrect because geothermal heat stems from radioactive decay within the Earth's core and primordial heat from planetary formation, not solar rays.

Summary. Official key is (b) because nuclear energy originates from atomic nuclei and radioactive elements rather than solar radiation. Biomass relies on photosynthesis driven by sunlight. Wind energy is created by atmospheric temperature gradients caused by solar heating. Geothermal energy is powered by the internal heat of the Earth rather than external solar input. Thus, nuclear energy stands apart as the only option not derived from the sun.