VCE Physics/Unit 1/AoS 1/Climate

Introduction
Text to come.

Relevant Dot Points from the Study Design

 * identify regions of the electromagnetic spectrum as radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma waves
 * describe electromagnetic radiation emitted from the Sun as mainly ultraviolet, visible and infrared
 * calculate the  peak  wavelength  of  the  re-radiated  electromagnetic  radiation  from  Earth  using  Wien’s  Law:  λ_maxT = constant
 * compare the total energy across the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by objects at different temperatures such as the Sun
 * describe power  radiated  by  a  body  as  being  dependent  on  the  temperature  of  the  body  according  to  the  Stefan-Boltzmann Law, P∝T^4
 * explain the  roles  of  conduction,  convection  and  radiation  in  moving  heat  around  in  Earth’s  mantle  (tectonic  movement) and atmosphere (weather)
 * model the greenhouse effect as the flow and retention of thermal energy from the Sun, Earth’s surface and Earth’s atmosphere
 * explain how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (including methane, water and carbon dioxide) absorb and re-emit infrared radiation
 * analyse changes in the thermal energy of the surface of Earth and of Earth’s atmosphere
 * analyse the evidence for the influence of human activity in creating an enhanced greenhouse effect, including affecting surface materials and the balance of gases in the atmosphere.