Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Earth and Space Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
Directions: Use the information provided and your knowledge of Earth and Space Science to answer the following questions. Show all work where necessary.
The facts behind this amazing statisticThe Sun generates energy by nuclear reactions which occur at its dense hot core. It produces a massive 382.8 trillion trillion (
The solar constant is the average intensity of the Sun’s radiation at a distance of 1 astronomical unit (the average distance of the Earth from the Sun). It has a value of
One advantage that solar energy has over other forms of green energy is that it has an almost unlimited potential because of the vast amount of energy reaching the Earth from the Sun. If the problems of distribution and storage could be overcome, it would only be necessary to cover a small fraction of the Earth’s surface with solar panels to meet all of humanity’s energy needs.
To calculate the size of this area, the first thing we need to consider is the amount of solar radiation which actually reaches the Earth’s surface. Although the solar constant is 1,361 W/m
If we average out over an entire 24 hour cycle the amount of solar radiation hitting the Earth’s surface (known as the solar irradiance) on a clear day at the equator on the equinox is approximately 340 W/m
If averaged out over 12 months and over all locations on the Earth’s surface, then the average solar irradiance is 170 W/m
Figure 1. Calculation of the area for the Earth to generate all energy needs by solar panels.
What happens to sunlight when it reaches Earth’s surface?
Which statement best explains why Earth’s surface does not heat evenly?
Look at the diagram showing incoming solar energy and reflected solar energy. What pattern do you notice between how much sunlight Earth receives and how much it reflects?
How do clouds, ice, and land surfaces each affect how much solar energy Earth absorbs or reflects?
Claim: The Sun provides the energy that drives weather and climate on Earth.
Evidence:
Reasoning: