1. Photosynthesis

2. Every second the sun emits more energy than has been used in all of human history.
Radiation (EM waves) is the transfer method that brings us the sun’s energy.
A photon is a “bundle” or “package” of light from the sun so each photon carries energy to Earth.

3. OK…think about this…
- what good are plants and trees???
what do they do for us???
why are we concerned about rain forests???
Plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and give off oxygen (O2).

4. Almost all the energy on our planet comes from the sun…
We make use of this energy…how??? …by eating the plants that made the energy, or by eating animals that ate the plants that made energy (from the sun).

5. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants take the sun’s energy and turn it into useable energy.
Here is the equation:
Sun’s energy + CO2 + H2O
C6H12O6 (sugar) + O2.

6. In words…photosynthesis is…
Radiant energy (from sun) is changed into chemical energy (sugars).
An important thing to remember…about 90% of the energy is lost (turned into heat) when we/animals eat the plants that used the sun’s energy!

7. So the transfer efficiency is only 10%.
Most of the lost energy (the 90%) is turned into heat.
In words for this one…chemical energy (sugars) is turned into radiant energy (heat) from the chemical reactions in the body.

8. Earth’s Magnetosphere

9. The sun is not static…it is changing.
Every second it releases charged particles from its surface called the solar wind.
These high energy particles travel out from the sun in a flood/furry at 1 million mph!... and are damaging to life on earth.

11. In addition, these particles can and do interrupt satellite functions
In addition, these particles can and do interrupt satellite functions. In fact, when a large burst of particles is emitted from the sun, sensitive space satellites are turned off until the big blast passes.

12. An nature, moving charged particles (solar wind) create a magnetic field…and vise versa.
So Earth’s magnetic field is able to deflect the incoming charged particles.
They are deflected into the poles and are the reason for the northern/southern lights.