Grade 11 Energy Budget Worksheet

Grade 11 Energy Budget Worksheet

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all work for calculations.

1. Which of the following is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

2. What is the term for the fraction of solar radiation reflected by a surface?

1. The Earth's energy budget describes the balance between the amount of energy that Earth receives from the Sun and the amount of energy the Earth   back into space.

2. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and re-emit   radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

3. Surfaces with high albedo, such as snow and ice, tend to   more solar radiation.

1. All solar radiation reaching Earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the surface.

2. The greenhouse effect is an entirely human-caused phenomenon.

1. Briefly explain the concept of Earth's energy budget and its importance to climate.

2. Describe two natural factors that can influence Earth's albedo.

The diagram below illustrates a simplified representation of Earth's energy budget. Analyze the diagram to answer the following questions.

1. Based on the diagram, what percentage of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface?

2. Identify one component of the Earth system that reflects a significant portion of incoming solar radiation according to the diagram.