How do I solve this problem step by step?
Which statement correctly identifies a transfer of energy within Earth’s atmosphere?
A.
The energy within Earth's atmosphere does not transfer to Earth's other subsystems.
B.
Atmospheric winds move from areas of low pressure to areas of high pressure.
C.
Water in Earth's hydrosphere evaporates and enters Earth's atmosphere where water vapor condenses.
D.
Earth's atmosphere gains all of its energy from the oceans and transfers the energy to other subsystems.
To solve this problem step by step, analyze each statement and determine if it correctly identifies a transfer of energy within Earth's atmosphere.
A. The statement that the energy within Earth's atmosphere does not transfer to Earth's other subsystems is incorrect. Energy within Earth's atmosphere is constantly being transferred between the atmosphere and other subsystems, such as the hydrosphere (water) and the lithosphere (land).
B. The statement that atmospheric winds move from areas of low pressure to areas of high pressure is correct. This movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure is caused by the transfer of energy in the form of heat. This is known as wind and is a transfer of energy within Earth's atmosphere.
C. The statement that water in Earth's hydrosphere evaporates and enters Earth's atmosphere where water vapor condenses is correct. This process, known as the water cycle, involves the transfer of energy in the form of heat. When water evaporates, it takes in heat energy, and when it condenses into clouds, it releases heat energy.
D. The statement that Earth's atmosphere gains all of its energy from the oceans and transfers the energy to other subsystems is incorrect. While the oceans do play a role in heating the atmosphere through processes like evaporation, Earth's atmosphere also receives energy from the Sun. The atmosphere then transfers this energy to other subsystems through processes like wind and the water cycle.
Based on this analysis, the statement that correctly identifies a transfer of energy within Earth's atmosphere is:
C. Water in Earth's hydrosphere evaporates and enters Earth's atmosphere where water vapor condenses.