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Earth and Solar Energy

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 5hrs 0mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Half of the sunlight entering Earth’s atmosphere reaches Earth’s surface. What happens to the rest?

a)

It is absorbed by the earth

b)

It is absorbed or reflected by the atmosphere.

c)

The rest of the sunlight fades away

d)

All the sunlight enters atmosphere

2.

Sunlight is made of different wavelengths of energy. Shorter wavelengths

a)

are less powerful than longer wavelengths.

b)

travel less distance than longer wavelengths.

c)

carry more energy than longer wavelengths.

d)

make up the bulk of all sunlight reaching the atmosphere.

3.

The waves of sunlight most important to weather are

a)

laser, mechanical, and magnetic.

b)

gamma, x-ray, microwave, and radio.

c)

the longest waves that can reach the atmosphere.

d)

ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared light.

4.

Visible light is the form of light you can see. What does it include?

a)

the longest wavelengths of light

b)

bright rapid flashes of energy

c)

every color of the rainbow

d)

gamma rays that bombard Earth’s surface

5.

Earth is sometimes called a “Goldilocks Planet.” Why?

a)

It is the only planet in the solar system that can grow the ingredients for porridge.

b)

Its temperature is not too hot, not too cold, but just right to support life.

c)

Earth orbits around the sun, much like how Goldilocks visits the bear family.

d)

The sun is like Papa Bear, Earth is like Mama Bear, and the moon is like Baby Bear.

6.

________ are gases in the atmosphere that absorb the energy of infrared light.

a)

Greenhouse gases

b)

Helium and argon

c)

Nitrogen and neon

d)

Solar gases

7.

The greenhouse effect warms up the atmosphere, which in turn, warms up what?

a)

beams.

b)

rays.

c)

rods.

d)

spears.

8.

Which statement is true?

a)

Sunlight is less concentrated at different latitudes.

b)

Sunlight has no effect on weather.

c)

Sunlight warms all locations the same amount.

d)

Sunlight is weakest near the equator and strongest near the poles.

9.

The greenhouse effect warms up the atmosphere, which in turn, warms up what?

a)

clouds

b)

deep space

c)

Earth's surface

d)

the area between Earth and the moon

10.

The amount of sunlight during the day depends on

a)

the time of day.

b)

whether cloud cover is thin or heavy.

c)

the angle at which the sun's rays strike Earth's curved surface.

d)

how much light is reflected from the moon and combined with sunlight.

11.

Thermal energy flows from locations of _________ to __________.

a)

low precipitation; high precipitation

b)

high temperature; low temperature

c)

north; south

d)

Earth; sun

12.

What would happen if the sun's energy stayed in one place and didn't travel?

a)

Temperature differences between places of high and low latitude would be more extreme.

b)

The sun's energy would be intensified and radiated back towards the sun causing solar flares.

c)

The atmosphere would absorb all of the sun's energy, so it wouldn't make much difference.

d)

There would be no temperature difference between locations so the entire planet would be hot.

13.

As the atmosphere and ocean move, energy moves with them by

a)

conduction.

b)

convection.

c)

location.

d)

radiation.

14.

As the ocean and atmosphere move energy around, the temperature changes they bring affect

a)

Earth's orbit.

b)

the amount of daylight.

c)

the weather.

d)

greenhouse gases.

15.

Changes in the ______ at which sunlight strikes Earth causes the seasons.

a)

angle

b)

distance

c)

intensity

d)

temperature

16.

What happens when the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun?

a)

Earth wobbles slightly off of its axis, causing earthquakes and severe weather.

b)

The sun's rays are at a greater angle, providing less energy. It is winter.

c)

The sun's rays hit it more directly, providing more energy. It is summer.

d)

The Southern Hemisphere heats up and then transfers thermal energy northward.

17.

When the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer, the Southern Hemisphere

a)

A. experiences winter.

b)

experiences summer.

c)

is completely in the dark.

d)

receives more energy.

18.

To create a functional design for a solar cooker, _________ and _______ must be met

a)

size; shape

b)

form; function

c)

supply; demand

d)

criteria; constraints

19.

What criteria would be used for building a solar cooker that feeds more than one person?

a)

easy to use, fits a large pot

b)

feeds a family, cooks a one pot meal

c)

both are correct

d)

neither are correct

20.

How do solar ovens work?

a)

Sunlight heats food by radiation to high enough temperatures to cook.

b)

Food is first heated by electricity. The sun keeps the food warm after it is cooked.

c)

Solar ovens only work when used with special pots, pans, and utensils.

d)

The food cooks by conduction from contacting the walls that are heated by the sun.