What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?

The primary source of energy for the Earth is the sun. It provides the energy needed for various processes on our planet, including photosynthesis in plants, which is crucial for producing oxygen and food. Solar energy drives weather patterns, influences climate, and is fundamental to the water cycle. The sun’s radiation reaches the Earth, warming the surface and sustaining life, making it the most significant energy source that affects all forms of life and natural processes on the planet.

In contrast, geothermal energy, derived from the Earth's internal heat, plays a much smaller role in the overall energy landscape of our planet. The moon's gravitational pull affects ocean tides but does not serve as an energy source in the same sense. The Earth's core generates heat and contributes to geothermal energy but is not a primary energy source for the diverse needs of life and environmental processes on the surface.