earths energy budget

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What is Earth's energy budget?

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Earth's energy budget refers to the balance between the energy Earth receives from the sun and the energy it radiates back into space. This balance is crucial for maintaining the planet's climate and temperature.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

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What is albedo?

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Albedo is the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface. It is expressed as a percentage; for example, ice has a high albedo, reflecting most sunlight, while dark surfaces have a low albedo.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

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What is conduction?

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Conduction is the transfer of heat through a material without the movement of the material itself. It occurs when two objects at different temperatures come into direct contact.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-3

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What is convection?

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Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). It occurs when warmer, less dense areas of a fluid rise and cooler, denser areas sink.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

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What is radiation in the context of energy transfer?

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Radiation is the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. It does not require a medium and can occur in a vacuum, such as the heat from the sun reaching Earth.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

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What percentage of incoming solar energy is absorbed by Earth's surface?

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51% of incoming solar energy is absorbed by Earth's surface.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

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What is a positive feedback loop?

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A positive feedback loop is a process where an initial change causes further changes that amplify the original effect. For example, melting ice reduces albedo, leading to more heat absorption and further melting.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

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What is a negative feedback loop?

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A negative feedback loop is a process that counteracts changes, promoting stability. For example, increased cloud cover can reflect more sunlight, cooling the Earth's surface.

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NGSS.HS-LS1-3

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

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What is visible light?

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Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. It is the light that comes from the sun and is responsible for the warmth we feel.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-3

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space. This effect is essential for maintaining a habitable climate.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5