Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What is Earth's energy budget?

Back

Earth's energy budget refers to the balance between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it radiates back into space. It is essential for maintaining the planet's climate and temperature.

Front

What type of radiation is primarily emitted by Earth back into space?

Back

Infrared radiation.

Front

What is visible light?

Back

Visible light is the range of electromagnetic radiation that can be seen by the human eye.

Front

What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

Back

Ultraviolet radiation is a type of higher-energy radiation from the sun that can harm living organisms.

Front

What does the equation 'energy in = energy out' signify in Earth's energy budget?

Back

It signifies that the amount of energy received from the sun is equal to the amount of energy that Earth radiates back into space, maintaining a stable climate.

Front

How can solar energy interact with Earth's surface?

Back

Solar energy can be reflected by light-colored surfaces like ice or absorbed by darker surfaces like asphalt.

Front

What happens to solar energy when it hits ice?

Back

It can be reflected by light-colored surfaces like ice.

Front

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

Back

The primary source of energy for Earth's climate system is the sun.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space and thus warming the planet.

Front

What role do clouds play in Earth's energy budget?

Back

Clouds can reflect sunlight back into space, which can cool the Earth's surface, or they can trap heat, contributing to warming.