Passive solar energy relies on what to capture heat?

• A. Building design and windows
• B. Solar panels
• C. Wind turbines
• D. Fossil fuels

Answer: (A)

Passive solar heating works by using the building itself as the heat-collecting mechanism. The key idea is to design the structure to capture sunlight and store that heat, then release it where and when it's needed without relying on mechanical devices. This relies on thoughtful orientation to catch winter sun, windows with appropriate glazing to allow light in while minimizing heat loss, and materials with high thermal mass that absorb heat during sunny periods and slowly radiate it later. Good insulation and shading help control overheating and maintain comfort year-round. That’s why building design and windows are the best answer. Solar panels, wind turbines, and fossil fuels involve other methods or energy sources: solar panels convert light to electricity (an active process), wind turbines harvest wind energy, and fossil fuels rely on burning fuels rather than capturing solar heat passively.