Grade 8 · Science · Unit 7 of 8
The Sun, Energy & Climate
Sunlight, albedo and the greenhouse effect
What your child practises
How sunlight warms Earth, why dark and bright surfaces differ, Earth's energy budget, the greenhouse effect, and photosynthesis at the start of every food chain.
Manitoba Curriculum learning outcome: SCI.8.E.13, SCI.8.E.15, SCI.8.E.16, SCI.8.E.17 · solar energy, albedo, the energy budget, photosynthesis and the greenhouse effect
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
What is the main source of energy for Earth's surface?
- the oceans
- the Moon
- the Sun
Show answer
the Sun
Hint: Solar radiation heats Earth and drives weather.
Question 2
Energy from the Sun reaches Earth as…
- sound waves
- radiation
- ocean currents
Show answer
radiation
Hint: Radiation can travel through empty space.
Question 3
Which gas is a greenhouse gas?
- oxygen
- carbon dioxide
- nitrogen
Show answer
carbon dioxide
Hint: Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere.
Question 4
Which green substance in plants absorbs light for photosynthesis?
- glucose
- cellulose
- chlorophyll
Show answer
chlorophyll
Hint: Chlorophyll is in chloroplasts.
Question 5
Why does a dark shirt feel hotter in the sun than a white shirt?
- it absorbs more radiation
- it makes its own heat
- it reflects more radiation
Show answer
it absorbs more radiation
Hint: Dark colours absorb more energy.
Question 6
Why do coastal areas often have milder weather than inland areas?
- oceans reflect all sunlight
- water absorbs and releases heat slowly
- land never warms up
- water has no heat capacity
Show answer
water absorbs and releases heat slowly
Hint: Water has a high heat capacity, so it warms and cools slowly.