Energy Entering and Leaving Earth's System

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Stability Noun

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[stuh-bil-i-tee]

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Stability

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A state where a system remains relatively constant because the amount of energy or matter flowing in equals the amount flowing out.

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Example: When two people pull a rope with equal and opposite force, the forces are balanced, and the rope remains stable and does not move.

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Change Noun

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[cheynj]

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Change

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A shift in a system's state that occurs when the balanced flow of energy or matter within it is disrupted.

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Example: A ball at the top of a ramp is about to move, showing a change in its position as potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

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Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

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Energy

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The capacity to cause change, which in Earth's system primarily comes from the sun and determines the planet's overall temperature.

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Example: The Sun radiates energy in the form of light and heat, which travels through space to warm the Earth.

Front

Absorb Verb

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[ab-sorb]

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Absorb

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To take in or soak up energy from a source, which often results in an increase in the system's temperature.

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Example: A beam of light hits a black surface and is taken in, or absorbed, so it does not bounce off or pass through.

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Redirect Verb

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[ree-di-rekt]

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Redirect

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To change the direction of flowing energy, causing it to travel along a different path within a given system.

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Example: Particles moving in a straight line are redirected, or change direction, when they bounce off a barrier.

Front

Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muh-sfeer]

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Atmosphere

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The layer of gases surrounding a planet, which contains various components that can significantly influence the planet's overall surface temperature.

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Example: This image shows the atmosphere is a blanket of gas around Earth, organized into five main layers, each with different properties and altitudes.

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Carbon Dioxide Noun

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[kar-buhn dai-ok-said]

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Carbon Dioxide

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A greenhouse gas (CO2) that stops some outgoing energy from leaving Earth's system, causing the atmosphere to warm.

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Example: This image shows a model of a carbon dioxide molecule, which is made of one central carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms (CO₂).

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Methane Noun

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[meth-eyn]

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Methane

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A powerful greenhouse gas (CH4) that stops outgoing energy from leaving Earth's system, contributing significantly to atmospheric warming.

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Example: This image shows a cow, a common source of methane gas, and labels it with its chemical formula, CH₄, to explain the concept.

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Sulfur Dioxide Noun

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[suhl-fer dai-ok-said]

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Sulfur Dioxide

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An atmospheric gas (SO2) that can influence Earth's energy balance by forming aerosols that reflect incoming sunlight, causing cooling.

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Example: This image shows four ways to represent a sulfur dioxide molecule: its chemical formula (SO₂), its 3D shape, and its atomic structure.

Front

Temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

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Temperature

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A measure of the average energy in a system, often used as a key indicator of climate and climate change.

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Example: This image shows a thermometer, a tool used to measure temperature, which is the degree of hotness or coldness of an object.