Victoria gets a sunburn from which of the following energy transfers?
A. radiation
B. conduction
C. convection
A Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet light from the sun.
Victoria gets a sunburn from energy transfer through radiation.
Victoria gets a sunburn from radiation.
To understand why, let's explain each of the energy transfer processes:
1. Conduction: This is the transfer of heat or energy through direct contact. For example, if Victoria touches a hot stove, the heat transfers to her hand through conduction. However, in the case of a sunburn, conduction is not the primary mode of energy transfer.
2. Convection: This is the transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid, such as air or water. For example, if Victoria stands near a hot air vent, the warm air currents that move past her can transfer heat. However, convective heat transfer is not the main cause of a sunburn.
3. Radiation: This is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. The Sun emits radiant energy, including ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can penetrate our skin and cause a sunburn. When Victoria spends time in the sun, her skin absorbs the UV radiation, leading to the sunburn.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. radiation, as it is the energy transfer process responsible for causing a sunburn when exposed to the Sun's UV rays.