e. The sphere also sits on the surface, so the shadow begins at the sphere's contact point.

Step by step
Step 1: The light rays come from the upper-left at an angle (not directly overhead).
Step 2: Parallel rays tangent to a sphere create a cylindrical shadow column; where this cylinder meets the flat surface at an angle, the cross-section is an ellipse.
Step 3: The sphere rests on the surface, so the shadow is attached to the sphere's base and extends to one side.
Step 4: The shadow ellipse overlaps partially with the sphere's silhouette circle (the sphere blocks part of the ground around its contact point).
Step 5: Option A shows an elliptical shadow offset to one side with the sphere silhouette partially overlapping — correct geometry. ✓
Therefore the answer is A.

Why wrong options are wrong
Option B: Shows the shadow on the wrong side relative to the light direction.
Option C: Shows a circular shadow, which would only occur with directly overhead light.
Option D: The shadow shape or position is inconsistent with angled parallel rays.

Remember for exam
Angled parallel rays → elliptical shadow on a flat surface. Overhead rays → circular shadow. The shadow always falls opposite to the light source direction.

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A solid sphere is kept on a planar surface. Parallel rays of light are falling on it as shown in the image. Which option correctly represents the shadow cast by the sphere on the planar surface?