Conduction, convection, and radiation are the three major mechanisms of heat transfer. Conduction involves the transfer of heat through matter by molecular collisions. Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of fluids. Radiation involves the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves in space. The greenhouse effect refers to the heating of the Earth's surface and atmosphere from solar radiation being absorbed and emitted by greenhouse gases like water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

1. 17.2 Heating the Atmosphere

2. Heat Thermal energy transferred from one object to another.

3. TemperatureA measure of the average kinetic energy of individual atoms or molecules in a substance.

4. Conduction The transfer of heat through matter by molecular activity; Energy is transferred through collisions from one molecule to another.

5. ConvectionThe transfer of heat by the movement of a mass or substance; It can take place only in fluids.

6. RadiationThe transfer of energy (heat) through space by electromagnetic waves.

7. ReflectionThe process whereby light bounces back from an object at the same angle at which it encounters a surface and with the same intensity.

8. Scattering The redirecting (in all directions) of light by small particles and gas molecules in the atmosphere; The result is more light rays with weaker intensity.

9. Greenhouse EffectThe heating of Earth’s surface and atmosphere from solar radiation being absorbed and emitted by the atmosphere, mainly by water vapor and carbon dioxide.

10. Key ConceptHow are heat and temperature related? Heat is transferred from one object to another because of a difference in their temperatures.

11. Key ConceptWhat are the three major mechanisms of heat transfer?Three mechanisms of energy transfer as heat are conduction, convection, and radiation.