What happens to most of the energy from the Sun that hits the Earth?

The most significant portion of the energy from the Sun that reaches Earth is transformed into thermal energy. This thermal energy affects numerous processes and contributes to the warming of Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Some of this energy is absorbed by land, water, and vegetation, subsequently leading to temperature increases that drive weather systems and climate.

In addition, while photosynthesis does play a critical role in converting solar energy into chemical energy in plants, this process represents only a small fraction of the total solar energy received. Photosynthesis is vital for producing biomass and supporting life, but it does not encompass the majority of how solar energy interacts with the Earth.

When considering the total energy from the Sun, most of it is indeed either absorbed and transformed into heat or lost to space through reflection or scattering. Therefore, the transformation into thermal energy is key to understanding Earth's energy balance and the effects of solar radiation.