science test

energy

the ability to cause change or do work.

forms of energy

light energy & thermal (heat) energy

three main types of light from the sun

Ultraviolet UV, visible light, infrared IR.

what happens to visible light at earths surface?

some is absorbed and some is reflected

why doesn’t earth burn up from solar radiation

earth reflects some, absorbes some, and releases energy back to space

radiation

energy transferred by electromagnetic waves

ex: sun warming earth, heat from fire

conduction

heat transfer through direct contact

ex: pan heating on stove or ironing clothes

convection

heat transfer by the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas)

ex: warm air rises, cold air sinks, boiling water

latent heat

energy absorbed or released when matter changes state

Absorbed: evaporation

Released: condensation

stability

the tendency of air to resist rising or sinking

unstable air

air that easily rises and occurs when cool air is below warmer air.

ex: cool air staying near the ground.

temperature inversion

warm air is above cooler air, trapping cool air near earths surface

ex: cities