The Sun's Energy

What is the source of the thermal energy that heats our planet’s atmosphere?

• Earth's core

• Green plants

• The Sun

• Fossil Fuels

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The Sun warms the atmosphere and drives convection currents because -

• warm air is less dense, so it rises.

• the warmed air cools and makes rain.

• the cooler land pushes away warm air.

• warm air, in contact with cool air, rotates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Winds in our atmosphere are created as a result of which of the following processes?

• Energy that is absorbed in the atmosphere

• Gravitational attraction from the Moon

• Density of the air particles in the atmosphere

• Uneven heating of the air in the atmosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The major patterns of movement of air and water on Earth are the result of –

• different densities of seawater and fresh water.

• diversity in the height of coastal landforms.

• uneven heating and the rotation of Earth.

• irregular durations of daytime and nighttime.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is one effect of the uneven heating of Earth caused by the Sun?

• Rotation of Earth

• Generation of wind

• Oceans losing salt

• Plants failing to grow

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following changes would remove the source of energy that generates the convection which makes wind here on Earth?

• Growing more vegetation in barren areas.

• Removing all the salt from sea water.

• Blocking all solar radiation.

• Reversing the rotation of Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Winds in our atmosphere are created as a result of which of the following processes?

• Energy that is absorbed in the atmosphere

• Gravitational attraction from the Moon

• Density of the air particles in the atmosphere

• Uneven heating of the air in the atmosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Michael and Isabella are working together on an assignment. They must search some illustrations to find an example of heat transfer by convection. Which illustration best represents convection?

• An illustration of heat being transferred by wind

• An illustration of heat being transferred by objects in contact

• An illustration of heat being transferred between rocks

• An illustration of the Sun’s heat moving through empty space

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

An illustration of how a convection current creates a wind, called a land breeze, is provided.Which of the following best explains what creates this convection current?

• The rotation of Earth makes the air above it rotate, but not the same over land and water.

• Because of its mass, Earth’s gravity creates a high pressure area over both the land and water.

• Salt in the ocean makes it more dense than the land, so its gravity pulls more on the air above it.

• During the evening, the land cools off more quickly than the water, so the air is different temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The energy that generates wind comes from what source?

• The energy that generates wind comes from what source?

• Solar radiation

• Electromagnetic waves

• Severe thunderstorms

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6