Temperature & Heating Flashcards
Define temperature
Temperature is the amount of kinetic energy per molecule of a mass
Define heat
Heat is the kinetic energy per unit volume of a mass
What is conduction?
The transfer of kinetic energy through molecules contacting each other
What is convection?
The process that occurs due to hot air rising, and cool air sinking
What is advection?
The transport of a substance or property by a fluid due to a horizontal motion (wind)
What is the release of latent heat?
Heat transfer when condensation occurs
The energy that was required to evaporate a substance, once at boiling temperature
Define turbulence
The heat transfer that occurs due to the erratic movement of air
What is used to measure surface air temperature?
A Stevenson Screen
Which stands 1.2m above the surface
What is used to measure air temperature?
A Radiosonde
(A helium filled balloon, with a temperature and humidity sensor)
(A GPS or radar reflector can also be used to measure the wind)
What is Insolation shorthand for?
Incoming Solar Radiation
Radiation from the sun
What is Terrestrial radiation?
The emission of infrared (low energy) radiation by the Earth
How does the solar year vary surface heating?
Since the sun is not completely central to our orbit (91 and 95 million miles in radius)
Therefore, seasons are slightly altered
At this point in time, the centre of the Earth is closer to the sun during our winter - making our winters slightly warmer, and our summers slightly cooler
Explain Albedo
Albedo is the reflectivity of substances to solar radiation
Where is the Albedo effect greatest?
In the Arctic region - due to the high albedo of fresh snow
Why does water heat up slower than land?
Due to water having a high specific heat capacity
