Chapter 2

Question 1

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules in a substance. Higher temperatures correspond to more energetic molecules.

Answer 1

Temperature

Question 2

The transfer of energy from a warmer object to a cooler one. It is transferred in the atmosphere by:

Answer 2

Heat

Question 3

The direct transfer of heat through a substance, mainly affecting the surface of the Earth.

Answer 3

Conduction

Question 4

The transfer of heat by the movement of fluid (air or water), such as rising warm air and sinking cool air.

Answer 4

Convection

Question 4

The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves. All objects emit radiation depending on their temperature.

Answer 4

Radiation

Question 5

The heat absorbed or released during a phase change (e.g., from solid to liquid or liquid to gas), without changing temperature. It plays a significant role in atmospheric processes:

Answer 5

Latent Heat

Question 6

Water absorbs latent heat and changes from liquid to vapor, cooling the surroundings.

Answer 6

Evaporation

Question 7

Water vapor releases latent heat and changes back to liquid, warming the surroundings.

Answer 7

Condensation

Question 8

Energy from the sun primarily in the form of shortwave radiation (visible light and UV radiation). It heats Earth’s surface, driving weather patterns.

Answer 8

Solar Radiation

Question 9

Why the Earth Has Seasons

Question 9

Earth emits longwave radiation (infrared) back to space. This energy is what balances the incoming solar radiation.

Answer 9

Terrestrial Radiation

Question 9

The balance between incoming solar energy and outgoing terrestrial radiation, which maintains Earth’s average temperature.

Answer 9

Radiative Equilibrium

Question 9

Around June 21, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, receiving more sunlight and experiencing summer.

Answer 9

Summer Solstice

Question 10

Gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and ozone (O₃) that absorb longwave radiation from Earth’s surface and reradiate it back, trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Answer 10

Greenhouse Gases

Question 10

The increase in greenhouse gases, especially due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, leading to additional warming of the Earth.

Answer 10

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Question 10

Around March 21 and September 21, day and night are approximately equal because neither hemisphere is tilted towards or away from the sun.

Answer 10

Equinoxes

Question 10

Around December 21, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to winter.

Answer 10

Winter Solstice

Question 11

Factors Affecting Earth’s Seasonal Variations

Answer 11

Sun Angle
Daylight
Distance from the sun

Question 11

Clouds reflect incoming solar radiation, reducing the amount of energy that reaches Earth’s surface and contributing to cooling.

Answer 11

Clouds and Solar Radiation

Question 12

Clouds also trap outgoing longwave radiation, contributing to warming at night. This dual effect makes clouds important regulators of temperature.

Answer 12

Clouds and Terrestrial Radiation

Question 12

Caused by Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the sun, leading to variations in sunlight and day length

Answer 12

Seasons

Question 13

Solar radiation, including visible light and ultraviolet, that is absorbed by the Earth’s surface.

Answer 13

Shortwave Raadiation

Question 14

The percentage of incoming sunlight reflected by a surface.

Answer 14

Albedo

Question 14

Radiation emitted by the Earth, primarily in the form of infrared radiation.

Answer 14

Longwave Radiation

Question 15

The rate at which solar energy reaches the Earth, approximately 1367 watts per square meter.

Answer 15

Solar Constant