Basic Earth Systems

Mathematical

As you read through the math relationships below, note any similarities between the equations here and our challenge equation.

Law of Conservation of Energy

  • Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, just transformed
  • E absorbed = E released

 

Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

ln = c   (wavelength)(frequency) = speed of light

E = h n   Energy = (Planck's constant)(frequency) 

l £ 3     (shortwave radiation)

l > 3     ( longwave radiation)

 

 

Wein's Law

 l  =  2897/T

 

Stefan-Boltzman Law

Longwave Radiation Energy = (s)(T)4

(temperature is reported in Kelvin)

sigma indicates the Stefan-Boltzman constant

 

Kirchoff's Law

Any body that absorbs radiation at a particular wavelength must emit radiation at that wavelength such that : 

 Emissivity = Absorbtivity

 

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