Question

how is heat energy transferred from the sun to the earth and the atmosphere?
convection
radiation
wind
conduction

Explanation:

Heat transfer from the sun to Earth and the atmosphere occurs through radiation. Radiation is the transfer of energy via electromagnetic waves (like sunlight) and can happen in a vacuum (space has no medium for conduction or convection). Conduction requires direct contact between materials, convection involves fluid (liquid or gas) movement, and wind is a result of atmospheric convection currents, not the primary heat - transfer method from the sun.

Answer:

radiation