Studying Earth Science

Chapter Three: Physical Science Connections 3.1 Types of Energy 3.2 Heat 3.3 Density and Buoyancy

3.1 Types of Energy Energy is the ability to create change in a system. Most of Earth’s surface heat energy comes from the Sun. A little comes from volcanoes and geysers. What total percent of the sun’s energy is taken by the atmosphere?

3.1 Radiation from the sun This energy leaves the Sun as radiant energy that is mostly visible light, but also includes infrared radiation (heat) and ultraviolet light. Can you rank the three types of radiant energy from shortest to longest wavelength?

3.1 Another source of heat Besides radiation, the Earth’s internal heat energy mostly comes from its core. Radioactive atoms break down to produce heat. Where is Earth’s core? Hint: What fruit do you know that also has a core?

3.1 Energy at a small scale Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms that are too small to see with your eyes or with a magnifying glass. In most matter, atoms occur in a group called a molecule. If a sheet of aluminum is 200,000 atoms in thickness, how many atoms thick are three sheets of aluminum?

3.1 Kinetic Energy The constant motion of atoms is a form of energy. Faster atoms have more kinetic energy than slower atoms. The energy of motion is called kinetic energy.

3.1 Kinetic Energy Imagine atoms were big enough to see. The length of the arrow shows the atom’s speed. Which atoms below have the most energy?

3.1 Height Energy Height energy is a type of potential energy. Potential energy is stored energy. How does the amount of energy given to the water at the top of the stream table affect the movement of sand?

3.1 Height Energy At the top of a roller coaster hill, the car has more height energy. The height energy is transferred to motion energy (kinetic) as the car rolls down the hill.

3.1 Heat energy Heat is a form of energy. Heat can be transferred from one object to another. Which way does the energy transfer?

3.1 Friction Energy is released due to friction when two objects rub against each other. Some of this energy is converted to heat. Name two surfaces creating friction in each picture.

3.1 Energy flow and heat loss For most cars, only 20% of the gasoline burned by the engine is used to move the car. 80 % of the energy from the gasoline is given off as heat energy. Where on the car can you FEEL the heat transfer?

3.1 Energy flow and heat loss A light bulb transforms electrical energy into light energy. The light bulb might feel hot to the touch after it has been lit for awhile. This is because 98% of the energy produced is heat and only 2% is actual light energy. Do you know what kind of light bulb can save energy?

3.1 Heat and fuels A power plant is a place where electricity is generated. Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are common sources of energy for power plants. Some heat is lost at each step in the process of converting fuel energy into useful electricity.

Can you explain each step of the process of making electricity?

Activity In this activity you will model radiation of heat energy from the Sun to Earth. Energy at the Surface of Earth