Unit 4: Earth's Energy Budget Test Review

Which explains why the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth?

• The sun provides a constant source of heat for Earth's interior.

• The sun releases carbon dioxide, which is necessary for energy formation.

• The sun's energy is used directly to power all human activities.

• The sun's radiation drives photosynthesis, creating chemical energy in plants

Answer explanation

Providing energy for plants in turn provides energy for all living things on Earth. Animals eat plants and the energy from the plants is passed up the food chain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

How much of the incoming solar energy can affect processes on Earth?

• 100%

• 77%

• 71%

• 48%

Answer explanation

Look at all of the energy that is absorbed. This means it is available to use on Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is Earth's energy budget?

• The total cost of the energy produced by all power plants on Earth.

• The total energy produced by all power plants on Earth.

• The sum of Earth's incoming solar energy minus Earth's outgoing energy.

• The sum of Earth's internal energy plus Earth's incoming solar energy.

Answer explanation

The sun gives us a specific amount of heat and energy. We need heat and energy for processes on Earth. When we use energy, it is subtracted from our budget.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Mark the gases that are responsible for the increases in the Greenhouse Effect.

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

• Methane (CH₄)

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

• Ozone (O₃)

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

A student drops a solid piece of foam in boiling water. The piece of foam rises to the top of the container, gets pushed to the side, sinks to the bottom, and then rises again repeatedly. Does conduction, convection, or radiation cause the foam to move in a circular motion?

• Conduction

• Convection

• Evaporation

• Radiation

Answer explanation

Convection causes the warm water to rise. At the top, it cools down, causing it to sink. Once at the bottom of the pot, it heats up again, causing it to rise again.

In what way does convection depend on the density of a substance?

• Warmer fluids sink below cooler fluids because warmer fluids are denser.

• Warmer fluids rise above cooler fluids because warmer fluids are denser.

• Cooler fluids sink below warmer fluids because cooler fluids are denser.

• Cooler fluids rise above warmer fluids because cooler fluids are denser.

Answer explanation

Warm fluids are less dense and rise. Cool fluids are more dense and sink.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

How does the transfer of energy from the Sun to Earth compare with the way energy is distributed in ocean water?

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through convection, while energy in ocean water is distributed by conduction.

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through radiation, while energy in ocean water is distributed by convection.

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through conduction, while energy in ocean water is distributed by radiation.

• Energy from the Sun is transferred through radiation, while energy in ocean water is distributed by conduction.

Answer explanation

Energy from the sun = radiation

Energy in liquids (or gas) = convection

Energy by direct contact = conduction

The Rover shown was sent to Mars to gather data. The Rover is powered mainly by solar panels. It has rechargeable batteries that provide energy when the Sun is not shining. Select all of the types of energy that the Rover is most likely to use.

• nuclear

• magnetic

• radiant

• acoustic

• electrical

Answer explanation

solar panels - radiant energy from the sun

rechargeable batteries - electrical energy

Wind spins the blades of a wind turbine that are connected to a generator. Examine the diagram showing a wind turbine and its generator in an electric circuit with a stove. The generator transforms ______ to ______.

• electrical energy

• heat energy

• mechanical energy

Answer explanation

wind turbine = mechanical (moving) energy

stove = electrical energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

As wood in a campfire burns, it releases heat and becomes ash. What kind of change occurs in the wood when it burns and releases heat?

• nuclear

• magnetic

• chemical

• mechanical

Answer explanation

Burning wood releases chemicals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-5