Solar Energy on Earth

When Earth receives energy from the Sun, ____.

• some energy is reflected back into space

• some is absorbed by the atmosphere

• some is absorbed by land and water on Earth's surface

• all of the above

Which sentence correctly compares temperatures in rural and urban areas?

• Rural areas are usually cooler because trees and water absorb more sunlight than

  concrete surfaces.

• Rural areas are usually warmer because grasses and other plants absorb sunlight

  to grow.

• Urban areas are usually cooler because buildings absorb sun light before it

  reaches the ground.

• Urban areas are usually warmer because streets have surfaces that absorb

  sunlight.

The Sun’s energy hits the surface of Earth most directly at the poles.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The specific heat of water is higher than the specific heat of sand. That is why water heats

up more slowly than sand.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

My parents use an .............. sponge to wash the dishes, but my

friend’s family uses a cloth rag.

• bounced

• absorbent

• spread

• absorbs

Dark-colored clothing ........... more radiant energy, so it feels warmer

on a sunny day than light-colored clothing.

• bounced

• absorbent

• spread

• absorbs

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

The basketball ............ off the backboard and into the hoop.

• bounced

• absorbent

• spread

• absorbs

Sunlight that hits Earth near the poles is more............. out and, therefore,

the climate tends to be cooler in those places.

• bounced

• absorbent

• spread

• absorbs

Complete the sentences with the word higher or lower.

1. Sand has a ............ specific heat than water.

• higher

• lower

2. Water has a .............. specific heat than air.

• higher

• lower