Radiation into Heat

  • Radiation from the sun is converted to heat energy as it enters Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Watch this video to learn more about this process.

Source: WeatherSTEM

View Transcript

Heat is a form of kinetic energy. We are able to feel heat when molecules and atoms move as a result of this energy. Since there are no molecules in space, energy from the sun must travel to Earth by electromagnetic waves, also called radiation. Once the waves reach the Earth, the energy they contain moves the molecules in our atmosphere creating heat we can feel.