Thermal Energy - The Origin of Heat Energy On Earth

The Origin of Heat Energy On Earth

Earth's proximity to the Sun is the reason that almost everything near Earth's surface is warm with a temperature substantially above absolute zero. Solar radiation constantly replenishes heat energy that Earth loses into space and a relatively stable state of near equilibrium is achieved. Because of the wide variety of heat diffusion mechanisms (one of which is black-body radiation which occurs at the speed of light), objects on Earth rarely vary too far from the global mean surface and air temperature of 287 to 288 K (14 to 15 °C). The more an object's or system's temperature varies from this average, the more rapidly it tends to come back into equilibrium with the ambient environment.

Read more about this topic:  Thermal Energy

Famous quotes containing the words origin, heat, energy and/or earth:

    Our theism is the purification of the human mind. Man can paint, or make, or think nothing but man. He believes that the great material elements had their origin from his thought.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    To say nothing is out here is incorrect; to say the desert is stingy with everything except space and light, stone and earth is closer to the truth.
    —William Least Heat Moon [William Trogdon] (b. 1939)

    All my energy and attention were devoted to trying to help her solve her problems. Unfortunately I didn’t have much success.
    Arthur Miller (b. 1915)

    Alas, so all things now do hold their peace:
    Heaven and earth disturbed in no thing:
    The beasts, the air, the birds their song do cease;
    The nightes chare the stars about doth bring.
    Henry Howard, Earl Of Surrey (1517?–1547)