Question

Explain how thermal energy is transferred from the sun to Earth's surface. How does this energy impact the land and water on Earth? Use complete sentences in your response.

Answer 1

Answers with Explanations:

1. Explain how thermal energy is transferred from the sun to Earth's surface.

"Thermal energy" refers to the energy produced from heat. The sun gives off light energy (solar) through it sunshine. This solar energy penetrates the atmosphere of the earth. Once the atmosphere is heated, it transfers the thermal energy to the Earth's surface in the form of rays. This process is called "radiation."

This can also be done through the process called "conduction." Since air is a poor conductor of heat, thermal energy is only being transferred in the atmosphere. Direct contact between objects is essential in conduction.

It is said that some of the heat transferred to Earth bounces back to the atmosphere. This is because once the Earth's surface heats up, the warmest air expands and rises towards the atmosphere.

2. How does this energy impact the land and water on Earth?

The sun heats up both the land and water on Earth. However, water is a good conductor of heat so it allows heat to stay in it for a longer period of time. On the contrary, the Earth's land surface is a poor conductor of heat so this allows heat to escape faster than in water. The rays of the sun can penetrate the water at a deeper length than that of the soil.