6.4ab Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. Examples include carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Front

What is visible light?

Back

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye, and it is the light you can see from the sun.

Front

How does the sun influence wind energy?

Back

The sun unevenly heats the Earth, causing differences in temperature that create wind currents.

Front

What is the pathway from sun to fossil fuels?

Back

The pathway is: sun -> plants -> fossil fuels. Plants use sunlight to grow, and when they die, they can become fossil fuels.

Front

How are fossil fuels related to the sun?

Back

Fossil fuels are the remains of ancient plants and animals that once needed the sun to survive.

Front

What role do greenhouse gases play in Earth's energy budget?

Back

Greenhouse gases absorb energy from Earth's surface and keep that energy in the atmosphere, helping to regulate temperature.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm.

Front

What is solar energy?

Back

Solar energy is energy from the sun that can be converted into thermal or electrical energy.

Front

What is the significance of the sun in the water cycle?

Back

The sun provides the energy needed for evaporation, which is a key process in the water cycle.

Front

What is conduction?

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials.