Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What is the type of electromagnetic energy that can be seen by humans?

Back

Visible light.

Front

True or False: The sun heats the Earth evenly.

Back

False.

Front

What happens when solar energy hits the Earth?

Back

It can be reflected by light colored surfaces like ice.

Front

What is the equation that represents Earth's energy budget?

Back

Energy in = energy out.

Front

What percentage of solar energy is absorbed from the sun by the Earth?

Back

71%.

Front

What is Earth's energy budget?

Back

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

Front

What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

Back

The Sun.

Front

What happens to solar energy that is not absorbed by the Earth?

Back

It is reflected back into space or absorbed by the atmosphere.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

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

Front

Name one factor that affects how much solar energy is absorbed by the Earth.

Back

The color of the surface (e.g., dark surfaces absorb more energy than light surfaces).