When fuel is consumed, most of the energy is released as heat. Heat energy is also transferred between objects by radiation. Radiation can travel through space. The transfer of energy through radiation and convection currents affects many phenomena on the Earth s surface. The Sun is the major source of energy for phenomena on the Earth s surface, powering winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle.
Solar energy reaches Earth through radiation, mostly in the form of visible light.
Heat from the Earth s interior reaches the surface primarily through convection. Convection currents distribute heat in the atmosphere. Differences in pressure, heat, air movement, and humidity result in changes of weather. The utility of energy sources is determined by factors that are involved in converting these sources to useful forms and by the consequences of the conversion process. Investigation and Experimentation Develop hypothesis.