Solar Energy on Earth

Front

Radiation Noun

---

[ray-dee-ay-shun]

Back

Radiation

---

The transfer of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves, which can travel through the vacuum of space.

---

Example: Sun's radiation transfers thermal energy to Earth through space.

Front

Electromagnetic Waves Noun

---

[uh-lek-troh-mag-net-ik wayvs]

Back

Electromagnetic Waves

---

Waves capable of transmitting energy through a vacuum, such as the solar energy that travels from the Sun to Earth.

---

Example: Solar energy from the Sun travels through space to Earth as electromagnetic waves.

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

---

[thur-muhl en-er-jee]

Back

Thermal Energy

---

Energy related to the temperature of a substance, which is the total kinetic energy of its atoms or molecules.

---

Example: Molecules move faster in a warmer liquid, showing increased thermal energy.

Front

Vacuum Noun

---

[vak-yoom]

Back

Vacuum

---

A space that is completely empty of matter, through which radiation can travel without a medium to carry it.

---

Example: A balloon in a vacuum chamber shows how the absence of air affects pressure.

Front

Latitude Noun

---

[lat-i-tood]

Back

Latitude

---

The distance of a location on Earth, measured in degrees north or south of the equator, affecting sunlight angle.

---

Example: Sunlight hits Earth at different angles due to latitude, affecting solar energy received.

Front

Equator Noun

---

[i-kway-ter]

Back

Equator

---

The imaginary line at 0 degrees latitude that circles the middle of Earth, receiving the most direct solar energy.

---

Example: The equator is shown as the line receiving the most direct sunlight, demonstrating its role in solar energy distribution.

Front

Specific Heat Noun

---

[spuh-sif-ik heet]

Back

Specific Heat

---

The amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a material by one degree Celsius.

---

Example: Heat moves from the hot side to the cool side, showing energy transfer.

Front

Conduction Noun

---

[kun-duk-shun]

Back

Conduction

---

The transfer of thermal energy between materials that are in direct contact through the collision of their particles.

---

Example: Heat flows from a hot block to a cold block, showing conduction.

Front

Kinetic Energy Noun

---

[ki-net-ik en-er-jee]

Back

Kinetic Energy

---

The energy an object possesses due to its motion; particles with higher kinetic energy are considered to be hotter.

---

Example: Particles in a hot area move faster, showing higher kinetic energy compared to a cooler area.

Front

Mirage Noun

---

[mi-rahzh]

Back

Mirage

---

An optical phenomenon caused by the bending of light rays as they pass through layers of air at different temperatures.

---

Example: Light bends as it travels through hot and cold air layers, creating a mirage.