Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What happens when solar energy hits clouds in Earth's atmosphere?

Back

It can be reflected or absorbed.

Front

What is the term for the wavelengths of electromagnetic energy that can be seen by humans?

Back

Visible light.

Front

What is visible light?

Back

The light you can see from the sun.

Front

What happens when solar energy hits the Earth?

Back

It can be reflected by light colored surfaces like ice.

Front

How much solar energy is radiated directly to space from Earth?

Back

6%.

Front

What is Earth's energy budget?

Back

The balance between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it radiates back into space.

Front

What is reflection in the context of solar energy?

Back

When solar energy bounces off surfaces like clouds or ice.

Front

What is absorption in the context of solar energy?

Back

When solar energy is taken in by surfaces, warming them up.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm.

Front

What are the main components of Earth's energy budget?

Back

Incoming solar radiation, reflected solar radiation, absorbed solar radiation, and outgoing thermal radiation.