Meaning: 'Strikes' means to hit or come into contact with something forcefully, in this case, sunlight hitting the Earth.

Wrong options:

• derives: Derives is a verb that means to obtain or receive from a source, which does not fit the context of sunlight reaching the Earth.
• faints: Faints is a verb that means to lose consciousness, which is irrelevant in this context of sunlight.
• bounces: Bounces is a verb that means to rebound off a surface, which does not describe the initial action of sunlight hitting the Earth.
• drives: Drives is a verb that means to propel or cause to move, which does not fit the action of sunlight striking the Earth.
• irritates: Irritates is a verb that means to cause annoyance or discomfort, which is not applicable to the action of sunlight.

Correct answer: bounces

Explanation: The verb 'bounces' is in the present tense and describes the action of reflected light returning to space. This fits grammatically and contextually as it follows the description of how light interacts with the Earth.

Meaning: 'Bounces' means to rebound off a surface, which accurately describes how reflected light behaves.

Wrong options:

• derives: Derives does not fit here as it refers to obtaining something, which is not relevant to the action of light reflecting.
• faints: Faints is unrelated to the context, as it describes a loss of consciousness, not a physical action of light.
• strikes: Strikes describes the initial contact of sunlight with the Earth, not the action of light reflecting back into space.
• drives: Drives refers to propelling or causing movement, which does not apply to the reflection of light.
• irritates: Irritates is not relevant, as it refers to causing annoyance, which does not describe the behavior of light.

Correct answer: drives

Explanation: The verb 'drives' is in the present tense and fits grammatically as it describes the action of energy propelling processes in various spheres. This aligns with the context of discussing the effects of absorbed light.

Meaning: 'Drives' means to propel or cause to happen, which accurately describes how absorbed light influences processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Wrong options:

• derives: Derives does not fit as it means to obtain from a source, which does not describe the action of energy in this context.
• faints: Faints is irrelevant here, as it refers to losing consciousness, not to energy or processes.
• strikes: Strikes describes the action of sunlight hitting the Earth, not the effect of absorbed light on processes.
• bounces: Bounces refers to the reflection of light, which does not relate to the driving force of energy in the spheres.
• irritates: Irritates is unrelated, as it means to annoy or discomfort, which does not describe the action of energy driving processes.