Question

heat transfer in earths systems
understanding heat movement
the sun powers our weather and climate by sending energy to earth. this thermal energy moves around our planet in three specific ways. your task is to identify how heat is moving in the diagrams below.
remember the definitions:

• radiation: heat traveling through empty space (like rays from the sun)
• conduction: heat moving through direct contact between objects.
• convection: heat moving through liquids and gases as they flow (hot air rising, cool air sinking)

diagram analysis: label the heat transfer

1. solar energy reaching earth

the sun sends thermal energy through the vacuum of space to warm the earths surface (sand and water). this happens without the objects touching.
which type of heat transfer is this? radiation

1. ground warming the air

after the ground gets hot, it warms the air molecules that are directly touching the surface. the heat moves from the solid ground to the gas particles.
which type of heat transfer is this? convection

Explanation:

1. For solar energy reaching Earth: The energy travels through the vacuum of space (no direct contact, no liquid/gas flow), which matches the definition of radiation.
2. For ground warming air: Heat moves via direct contact between the hot ground and air molecules touching it, which matches the definition of conduction.

Answer:

1. Radiation
2. Conduction