What percentage of sunlight that reaches Earth is visible light?

The correct answer is based on the fact that approximately 46% of the sunlight that reaches Earth falls within the visible light spectrum. This range of light is what the human eye can detect and is essential for various processes, such as photosynthesis in plants.

Visible light is only a small portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum, which also includes ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared radiation. The specific percentage indicates that nearly half of the incoming solar energy can be utilized by living organisms, making it crucial for sustaining life and influencing Earth's climate. Understanding this concept is vital for appreciating the role of sunlight in ecological and physiological processes.