Solar Energy Journey Quiz

What does the cell's membrane do?

What does Lewis Thomas compare the atmosphere to?

What is the function of Earth's atmosphere mentioned in the text?

What is the significance of Earth's atmosphere according to the text?

What are the main gases in the Earth's atmosphere?

Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to the Earth's surface?

What is the role of the Earth's atmosphere in balancing energy transfer?

What type of radiation does the Sun emit?

What percentage of the original sunbeam reaches the Earth's surface without being absorbed, scattered, or reflected?

What contributes to the natural greenhouse effect?

What drives the general circulation of the atmosphere around the globe?

What do large horizontal circulation systems, like ocean currents and wind systems, do?

The Journey of Solar Energy

Only 27% of the original sunbeam reaches the Earth's surface without being absorbed, scattered, or reflected.
47% of radiant energy reaches the ground as a combination of direct radiation and diffuse radiation.
Earth re-radiates incoming radiation as terrestrial radiation, moving heat energy away from the surface.
Heat is carried upwards from the Earth in convection currents and some heat is transferred by conduction.
The atmosphere traps long-wave terrestrial radiation, heating it from below, creating a natural greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide contribute to the natural greenhouse effect.
Human activities have increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases, leading to a warming trend.
The unbalanced atmosphere energy systems have cascading effects on physical and biological processes.
The amount of energy trapped by the greenhouse effect depends on the location on the globe.
Large horizontal circulation systems, like ocean currents and wind systems, move excess heat from low latitudes to the poles.
Energy transfer from the equator to the poles drives the general circulation of the atmosphere around the globe.
The atmosphere and its energy systems are the basic ingredients for weather and climate, making it possible for specific crops to grow in certain regions.

Test your knowledge of the journey of solar energy with this quiz. Explore the absorption, reflection, and re-radiation of solar energy, the greenhouse effect, human impact on greenhouse gas concentrations, and the global circulation of energy systems.