Earth's Energy Budget

Front

What is Earth's energy budget?

Back

Earth's energy budget refers to the balance between the energy received from the Sun and the energy radiated back into space. It determines the planet's climate and temperature.

Front

What percentage of the Sun's energy is reflected back into space?

Back

About 30% of the Sun's energy is reflected back into space.

Front

What happens when greenhouse gases increase in the atmosphere?

Back

When greenhouse gases increase, they trap more heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

Front

Which color of light has the longest wavelength?

Back

Red light has the longest wavelength.

Front

What is reflection in terms of light?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat, keeping the Earth warm.

Front

What is global warming?

Back

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

Front

What is absorption in terms of light?

Back

Absorption is the process by which light is taken in by a material, converting it to heat.

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.

Front

What is the role of clouds in Earth's energy budget?

Back

Clouds can reflect sunlight back into space and also trap heat, affecting the energy balance.