Unit 3: Energy in Earth’s Spheres

Mechanical Energy

any form of energy involved in the movement of objects (kinetic)

Chemical Energy

reaction of atoms or molecules to produce energy (chemicals stored in bonds)

Electromagnetic energy

from the vibrations of all the matter in the universe (based on wavelength and frequency)

Wavelength

distance between two crests

Long wavelength means __ frequency

low frequency

Short wavelength means ___ frequency

high frequency

Short wavelength and high frequency is found on the ___ side

left side

Low wavelength and low frequency is found on the __ side

right side

Atmosphere

the envelope of air (mixture of gases) that surround the Earth

Reflection

Energy waves bounce of materials

Refraction

energy waves bend through materials of varying densities

Scattering

energy waves are reflected and refracted in various directions

Absorption

energy waves taken in by material

Dark colors

absorb more; heat faster and cool down faster

Light colors

absorb less heat; heat and cool slower

Smooth surfaces

absorbs less energy because it has less surface area

Rough surfaces

absorb more energy because it has more surface area

Specific heat

the amount of energy needed to heat up and cool down an object

Conduction

energy is transferred particle by particle through contact

Convection

Energy is transferred through gasses and liquids due to differences in densities (circular motion)

Radiation

Energy is transferred through gas or space

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation

What wave comes into the earth with a short wavelength + high frequency?

UV + Visible Light

What wave gets trapped into the Earth with a long wavelength and low frequency?

Infrared (heat)

Greenhouse Gasses

Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Water Vapor

High specific heat means..

more energy required

takes longer to cool and heat down

Low specific heat means…

less energy required

takes less time to cool and heat down

Waters three states of matter

Liquid Water, Solid Water (Ice) and Gas (Water vapor)

Melting

the process of solid water (ice) turning into liquid water

A process of warming due to the gain of energy

Freezing

the process of liquid water turning into solid (ice)

This is a process of cooling due to the release of energy

Vaporization

the process of liquid water turning into gas (water vapor)

This is a warming process due to the gain of energy

Condensation

the process of gas (water vapor) turning into liquid water

This is a cooling process due to the release of energy