What are packets of energy delivered by the sun known as?

Packets of energy delivered by the sun are known as photons. Photons are elementary particles that are the quantum of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared radiation. Each photon carries a specific amount of energy that is directly related to its frequency, with higher frequency photons (like ultraviolet light) carrying more energy than lower frequency ones (like infrared).

This concept is crucial in understanding how light interacts with matter, as photons can be absorbed by atoms and molecules, leading to various biological processes, such as photosynthesis in plants. In essence, photons are fundamental to the transmission of energy from the sun to Earth, facilitating many life-sustaining processes.

The other choices refer to different concepts: waves pertain to the propagation of energy through space; protons are positively charged particles found in atomic nuclei; and neutrons are neutral particles also located within the nucleus.