2.2.1 Solar Energy on Earth

What is radiation in the context of solar energy transfer to Earth?

• The movement of energy through a medium such as air or water

• The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves

• The process by which Earth emits energy back into the atmosphere

• The release of thermal energy at a faster rate from water compared to land

Why does thermal energy from the Sun reach Earth without requiring a medium?

• Because thermal energy can only move through solid objects

• Because thermal energy is not affected by the vacuum of space

• Because radiation is the only way thermal energy can travel through the vacuum of space

• Because the Sun's energy is too weak to require a medium

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Why are temperatures between the poles and the equator on Earth significantly different?

• Because the Earth emits different amounts of energy back into the atmosphere at the poles and the equator

• Because the Sun's energy warms all areas on Earth's surface equally

• Because the Sun's angle affects how much solar energy an area receives

• Because thermal energy always moves from colder areas to warmer areas

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What is latitude?

• The angle of incoming sunlight

• The distance north or south of the equator measured in degrees

• The size of the Earth's surface

• The amount of solar energy received at the equator

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What are areas in low latitudes near the equator referred to as?

• The Northern Hemisphere

• The Southern Hemisphere

• The tropics

• The poles

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Why are the tropics warmer than other places on Earth?

• Because they are closer to the Sun

• Because they receive sunlight at a nearly 90° angle year-round

• Because they have a larger surface area

• Because they are located at higher latitudes

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What happens to the Sun’s energy when it reaches Earth’s surface?

• It is completely absorbed by the surface

• It is converted to thermal energy and some is reflected back

• It is stored within the Earth's core

• It is immediately released back into space

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Why do land surfaces warm up and cool down much faster than water?

• Because water absorbs thermal energy faster

• Because land is typically at higher elevations

• Because land absorbs thermal energy faster and releases it faster

• Because water reflects more solar energy

What is specific heat?

• The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1g of a material by 1°C

• The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a material by 1°C

• The amount of heat needed to lower the temperature of 1kg of a material by 1°C

• The amount of heat a material can absorb before it changes state

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Why does water have a higher specific heat than sand?

• Because water is denser than sand

• Because water can absorb more thermal energy than sand

• Because sand can absorb six times more thermal energy than water

• Because sand is cooler than water