Earth's Energy Budget

The sun produces waves called radiation.

-Heat is absorbed by the surface and reflected by particles in the atmosphere.

Solar Radiation

Visible Light- What we see

Ultraviolet- Waves are closer together than visible light, can damage skin and cause cancer.

Infrared- Waves are further apart than visible light, can be used for remote controls, heat sensors and night vision.

Energy Moves

Earth’s energy budget refers to the tracking of how much energy is flowing into and out of the Earth’s climate, where the energy is going, and if the energy coming in balances with the energy going out

The Earth’s energy budget includes the solar energy entering and exiting Earth’s atmosphere. Excess carbon dioxide and other gases affect the energy budget, creating a greenhouse effect

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Greenhouse Gas

Heat Transfer

Conduction- heat transfer by touching

Convection- heat transfer by moving air or water

Radiation- heat transfer through waves

Subject | Subject

Thermal and radiant energy can be converted into mechanical energy, chemical energy, and electrical energy and back again

Thermal- heat

Radiant- Electromagnetic waves (light, microwaves, UV, etc.)

Mechanical- potential and kinetic

Chemical- energy stored in chemical bonds (food, bateries, etc.)