Select the statement(s) that accurately describe how energy is transferred in Earth’s atmosphere.
The Sun warms the Earth through radiation. The soil, rocks, and water absorb the thermal energy.
Air molecules high in the atmosphere are heated through radiation. The warm molecules sink down toward the Earth, pushing the cooler molecules up into the atmosphere.
The ground is warmed from the heat radiating outward from the mantle. The warm ground heats the air molecules when they come in contact with each other.
The air particles that were warmed through conduction rise into the atmosphere. The cooler molecules sink back down toward Earth. This creates convection currents, which makes wind.
The ground and water that are warmed from the radiation come in contact with the air particles above and warm the molecules through conduction.
The correct statements that accurately describe how energy is transferred in Earth’s atmosphere are:
1. The Sun warms the Earth through radiation. The soil, rocks, and water absorb the thermal energy.
– Explanation: The Sun emits energy in the form of radiation, which is absorbed by the Earth’s surface, warming it.
2. The ground is warmed from the heat radiating outward from the mantle. The warm ground heats the air molecules when they come in contact with each other.
– Explanation: The ground can be warmed not only by solar radiation but also from heat that comes from the Earth’s interior. This heat can warm the air through direct contact.
3. The air particles that were warmed through conduction rise into the atmosphere. The cooler molecules sink back down toward Earth. This creates convection currents, which makes wind.
– Explanation: Warm air is less dense and rises, while cooler air is denser and sinks. This movement creates convection currents, which are essential for wind patterns.
4. The ground and water that are warmed from the radiation come in contact with the air particles above and warm the molecules through conduction.
– Explanation: When the warmed ground and water directly touch cooler air, heat is transferred from the ground to the air through conduction.
The second statement about air molecules high in the atmosphere being heated through radiation and then sinking is incorrect because typically, the warming happens closer to the surface first.
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