ENERGY IN THE ATMOSPHERE

[Note: Letter/Number references are to the New York State Intermediate Level Science and Physical Setting/Earth Science (Regents high school level) Core Curriculum Standards.

"ESRT" refers to the Earth Science Reference Tables used in connection with the Physical Setting/Earth Science examination)

            The Sun is a major source of energy for Earth. Other sources of energy include nuclear and geothermal. (ILS4.1a)

Different forms of energy include heat, light, electrical, mechanical, sound, nuclear, and chemical. Energy is transformed in many ways. ILS4.1e)

Different forms of electromagnetic energy have different wavelengths. Some examples of electromagnetic energy are microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays. (ILS4.4a)

See “Electromagnetic Spectrum” in ESRT, p. 14.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form into another. (ILS4.5a)

            Energy can change from one form into another, although in the process some energy is always converted to heat. Some systems transform energy with less loss of heat than others. (ILS4.5b)

            The motion of particles helps to explain the phase (states) of matter, as well as changes from one phase to another. The phase in which matter exists depends on the attractive forces among its particles. (ILS3.1c)

            Gases have neither a determined shape nor a definite volume. Gases assume the shape and volume of a closed container. (ILS3.1d)

            A liquid has definite volume, but takes the shape of a container. (ILS3.1e)

            A solid has definite shape and volume. Particles resist a change in position. (ILS3.1f)

            During a phase change, heat energy is absorbed or released. Energy is absorbed when a solid changes to a liquid (melting) and when a liquid changes to a gas (evaporation). Energy is released when a gas changes to a liquid (condensation) and when a liquid changes to a solid (freezing). (ILS4.2c)  Energy absorption is also involved when a solid changes directly or a gas, and energy release is involved when a gas changes directly to a solid, such a forming frost or snow flakes in clouds (sublimation).

            Melting:  Solid + heat à Liquid                     Freezing: Liquid à Solid + heat

            Evaporation:  Liquid + heat à Gas              Condensation: Gas à Liquid + heat

                                        Sublimation:  Solid ßà Gas

Most activities in everyday life involve one form of energy being transformed into another. For example, chemical energy in gasoline is transformed into mechanical energy in an automobile engine. Energy in the form of heat is almost always one of the product of energy transformations. (ILS4.1c)

            Heat can be transferred through matter by the collision of atoms and/or molecules (conduction) or through space (radiation.) In a liquid or gas, currents will facilitate the transfer of heat (convection.) (ILS4.2b)

            Heat moves in predictable ways, flowing from warmer objects to cooler ones, until both reach the same temperature. (ILS4.2a) 

            Objects having the same temperature are in “thermal equilibrium.”

The transfer of energy within the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and Earth’s interior results in formation of regions of different densities. These density differences result in motion (PS2.1b)

In fluids (liquids and gas), less dense substances can rise and more dense substances can sink.

The transfer of heat energy within the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and Earth’s surface and interior occurs as a result of radiation, convection, and conduction. Heating of Earth’s surface and atmosphere by the Sun drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds and ocean currents. Density differences are the basis for many Earth phenomena, including cloud formation and the formation of atmospheric storms. (PS2.2b)

Insolation (Incoming solar radiation) heats Earth’s surface and atmosphere unequally due to variations in:

intensity (caused by variations in atmospheric transparency and angle of incidence which vary with time of day, latitude, and season);

characteristics of the surface materials absorbing the energy (such as color, texture, transparency, states of matter, and specific heat); and

duration which varies with seasons and latitude. (PS2.2a)

            The uneven heating of Earth’s surface is the cause of weather. (ILS2.2k)

            Seasonal changes can be explained using concepts of density and heat energy. These changes include: the shifting of global temperature zones, the shifting of planetary wind and ocean current patterns, the occurrence of hurricanes, monsoons, rainy and dry seasons, flooding, severe weather, and ozone depletion. (PS2.1i)