Earth's Energy Balance Quiz

A snow-covered mountain has a ________ albedo than a dark-colored corn field. Therefore, it will reflect ________ solar energy than the field.

• higher , more

• Lower , more

• Higher , less

• Lower , more

When Earth receives energy from the Sun, _____.

• A) some energy is reflected back into space

• B) some is absorbed by the atmosphere

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

• D) all of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Julie and Devon are modeling how the Sun heats Earth. Julie hangs a sheet of graph paper on a wall, and Devon holds a flashlight and shines it in a straight line toward the graph paper while Julie dims the lights in the classroom. The diagram shows their model of the Sun heating Earth at the equator. How can the students change their model to represent how the Sun heats Earth in places where the climate is cold all year?

• They can tilt the angle of the graph paper.

• They can use graph paper with larger squares.

• They can use a flashlight with a narrower beam of light.

• They can move the flashlight farther away from the graph paper.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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-ESS2-6

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

Explain why it is colder at the north and south poles than at the equator.

• The sun hits it more directly

• The sun doesn't shine there

• The sun isn't as concentrated at the poles

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What area of Earth is receiving the most solar radiation?

• The poles

• The equator

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What three things can happen to the radiation that Earth receives from the Sun?

• The radiation can be reflected back into space

• be absorbed by Earth's atmosphere,

• be absorbed by Earth's surfaces.

• Be absorbed by the sun

Why does the area around the equator stay the same temperature all year?

• The equator rotates slower than the poles.
• The equator remains the same distance from the sun.
• The equator always receives direct sunlight.
• The equator has 18 hour days.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6