Global Systems and Energy Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the three types of systems?
Open, closed, isolated
What is an open system?
Matter and energy can enter and exit (Elk Island Park)
What is a closed system?
Only energy can enter or exit, matter cannot (Earth)
What is an isolated system?
Neither matter or energy can exit or enter (Universe)
The Earth is divided into three spheres, what are they?
Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere
What is the atmosphere?
Air; 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% others; has layers
What is the lithosphere?
Land; 7 continents, life can be found in biosphere
What is the hydrosphere?
Water: covers 70% of the surface
What is earth’s radiation budget?
Generally, incoming radiation = outgoing radiation
What is the reflectivity of a substance?
Albedo
Earth’s angle is tilted by 23.5 degrees, what is this called?
Angle of inclination
What happens when the sunrays strike at an angle?
Energy is dispersed
What is climate?
The long term trends in temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity and precipitation
What is weather?
Specific conditions on a daily basis
What is the hydrologic cycle?
The water cycle
What are the types of water movement?
Transpiration, condensation, evaporation, precipitation, runoff
What is the formula for thermal energy?
Q=mc^t
What does Q=mc^t stand for?
Q=energy in joules (J)
m=mass in grams (g)
c= specific heat capacity in J/g’c (J/g’c)
^t= change in temperature in degrees celcius (‘c)
What does specific heat capacity mean?
Represents the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance 1’c (water- 4.19J/g’c)
What are phase changes?
Changes in state; this is a change in potential energy
Does the temperature change during a phase change?
No
What is fusion?
Melting or freezing
What is vaporization?
Evaporating or condensing
What is the formula for phase changes?
Q=nH
