Weather and Climate

Front

Radiation Noun

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[ray-dee-ay-shun]

Back

Radiation

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The transfer of thermal energy by electromagnetic waves, which can travel through the vacuum of space.

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Example: The Sun emits radiation, transferring thermal energy to Earth through space.

Front

Conduction Noun

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[kon-duk-shun]

Back

Conduction

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The transfer of thermal energy between materials through the direct collision of their particles.

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Example: Heating one end of a metal bar transfers thermal energy to the cooler end.

Front

Convection Noun

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[kon-vek-shun]

Back

Convection

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The transfer of thermal energy by the movement of particles within a fluid, such as a liquid or gas.

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Example: Warm molecules rise and cool molecules sink, showing how heat moves in liquids and gases.

Front

Thermal Energy Noun

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[thur-mul en-er-jee]

Back

Thermal Energy

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The total energy related to the random motion of atoms and molecules in a substance.

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Example: Particles in a hot area move faster than in a cold area, showing thermal energy.

Front

Specific Heat Noun

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[spuh-sif-ik heet]

Back

Specific Heat

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The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of a material by one degree Celsius.

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Example: Heating water with a burner shows how heat raises temperature, demonstrating specific heat.

Front

Albedo Noun

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[al-bee-doh]

Back

Albedo

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The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.

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Example: The image shows how light reflects off a surface, explaining albedo as the measure of reflected light.

Front

Latitude Noun

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[lat-i-tood]

Back

Latitude

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The distance in degrees north or south of the equator, which affects the intensity of sunlight.

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Example: Sunlight hits Earth at different angles, showing how latitude affects sunlight intensity.

Front

Coriolis Effect Noun

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[kor-ee-oh-lis uh-fekt]

Back

Coriolis Effect

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The apparent curving of the path of moving objects, like wind and water, due to Earth's rotation.

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Example: The image shows how Earth's rotation causes wind paths to curve, demonstrating the Coriolis Effect.

Front

Air Pressure Noun

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[air presh-er]

Back

Air Pressure

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The force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on it.

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Example: The image uses a seesaw to show how air pressure is higher at lower altitudes and lower at higher altitudes.

Front

Wind Noun

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[wind]

Back

Wind

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The natural movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.

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Example: Arrows show air moving from high to low pressure, illustrating wind.