Albedo is the portion of solar energy reflected from the surface of Earth. Arrange the following in the increasing order of their albedo from low to high: Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1.Black soil

2.Water

3.Snow cover

4.Dry ground

5.Thin clouds

A4, 1, 3, 2, 5

B1, 4, 2, 3, 5

C2, 1, 4, 5, 3 ✓ Correct

D1, 4, 2, 5, 3

Correct answer: (C) 2, 1, 4, 5, 3

Explanation

Albedo rises from dark, absorbing surfaces to bright, reflecting ones like fresh snow.

Calm water reflects very little sunlight and so has the lowest albedo here.

Black soil is dark and absorbs strongly, giving a slightly higher albedo than water.

Dry ground reflects more than dark soil, placing it in the middle of the range.

Thin clouds scatter a good share of sunlight back to space, ranking higher still.

Fresh snow cover reflects most incoming light and has the highest albedo of all.

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