Solar Energy on Earth

When Earth receives energy from the Sun, some energy is not reflected back into space.

• True

• False

The area of Earth that receives the most solar radiation is the equator. Why?

• Sunlight reflects off water more powerfully at the equator.

• Near the equator, sunlight strikes Earth's surface at a low angle.

• In latitudes near the equator, sunlight strikes Earth's Surface at a nearly 90 degree angle year round.

A factor that affects the rate at which thermal energy is absorbed is which of the following?

• Juxtaposition

• Atmosphere

• Material (Land, water, etc)

A light color has a higher albedo than a dark color.

• True

• False

At latitudes near the North Pole and South Pole, sunlight strikes Earth's surface at a low angle. This causes which effect?

• The poles receive more energy than anywhere else on Earth.

• There is more sunlight per unit of surface area.

• Santa must use lights all day and night in the North Pole from June to September.

• The poles receive very little energy per unit of surface area.

A dark color has a higher albedo than a light color.

• True

• False

The higher the specific heat of a material, the more energy is needed to change the temperature.

• True

• False

Conduction

• The distance in degrees north or south of the equator

• The amount of thermal energy required to increase the temp of 1 kg of material 1 degree Celsius.

• The transfer of thermal energy between materials by the collisions of particles. (Transfer of energy through direct contact)

• The transfer of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves.

Which material absorbs the most solar radiation?

• Blacktop on a playground

• Water

• Wood

• Sand

Which is a factor that affects the rate at which thermal energy is absorbed on Earth?

• Latitude

• Equator

• Condensation