Evidence for Climate Change: The Physics of Climate Change

What does "atmospheric" mean?

• Located in the atmosphere.

• Located outside the atmosphere.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Infrared radiation is a type of...

• Sound Wave

• Mechanical Wave

• Electromagnetic Wave

In what form does the sun's energy reach Earth?

• Electromagnetic Waves

• Mechanical Wave

Why is Earth warm?

• Because the core keeps us warm. 

• Because the sun's heat reflects off the planet. 

• Because the atmosphere traps the electromagnetic rays from the sun.

In short, greenhouse gases...

• Are excellent insulators of heat

• Are excellent conductors of heat. 

Can you visibly see any difference in the gases?

• Yes

• No

Which gases do you think will be transparent to infrared light? 

Transparent to infrared means these will not prevent the heat loss through infrared radiation. 

Is Nitrogen gas, which makes up 78% of the atmospheric gases, transparent to infrared radiation?

• Yes

• No

Is nitrogen considered a greenhouse gas?

• Yes

• No

Is oxygen transparent to infrared radiation?

• Yes

• No