A solar cell converts the sunlight directly into __________ energy.

ANS:B - electrical

A solar cell converts sunlight directly into electrical energy. Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, utilize the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight (photons) into electricity. When sunlight strikes the semiconductor material within the solar cell, it generates an electric current as electrons are excited from the semiconductor's valence band to its conduction band, creating a flow of electricity. This electricity can then be used to power electrical devices or stored in batteries for later use. Therefore, the correct answer is electrical energy.