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Atmosphere
The Earth's Atmosphere
21
Science
6th Grade
01/06/2011

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Term
atmosphere
Definition
a mixture of gases that surround the Earth
Term
composition of the atmosphere
Definition
78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% trace gases
Term
radiation
Definition
the transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves
* the warmth you feel under a heat lamp
Term
ozone layer
Definition
the protective layer of gases found in the stratosphere.
Term
auroras
Definition
caused by electronically charged particles found in the ionosphere
Term
conduction
Definition
energy transferred as heat through a material
* a pan on an electric stove gets hot as it sits on the spiral metal heating element
Term
convection
Definition
thermal energy transferred by circulation of a liquid or gas
* some ovens have a fan to circulate the hot air inside the oven to heat the food more quickly
Term
greenhouse effect
Definition
the process by which gases in the atmosphere absorb thermal energy and radiate it back to the Earth
Term
radiation balance
Definition
amount of energy received from the sun and the amount of energy returned to space are about equal
Term
Where is pressure the greatest?
Definition
at Earth's surface
* as altitude increases, pressure decreases
* remember the "people pyramid"
Term
ionosphere
Definition
one part of the thermosphere, where auroras happen
Term
What pulls gas molecules towards the Earth?
Definition
gravitiy
Term
How does wind occur?
Definition
air tends to move from areas of high pressure to low pressure
Term
How much sun reaches the Earth?
Definition
about two-billionths
Term
Name the layers of the atmosphere starting from the Earth's surface.
Definition
troposphere,
stratosphere,
mesosphere,
thermosphere
Term
air pressure
Definition
the measure of the force with which air molecules push on a surface
Term
altitude
Definition
the vertical height of an object, usually from sea level
synonyms: elevation, height
Term
absorbtion
Definition
to take in (all or part of incident radiated energy) and retain the part that is not reflected or transmitted
Term
scattered
Definition
to throw about in various directions
Term
reflection
Definition
to cast back light, heat, etc.
Term
greenhouse gases
Definition
any of the gases whose absorption of solar radiation is responsible for the greenhouse effect, including carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and the fluorocarbons.
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