Passive Solar Heating & Cooling: Examples & Real-World Applications for AP Environmental Science

📚 Quick Study Guide

• ☀️ Passive Solar Heating: Uses the sun's energy for heating without mechanical systems. Think strategically placed windows and thermal mass.
• 🧱 Thermal Mass: Materials like concrete, brick, or water that absorb, store, and release heat.
• 🌡️ Direct Gain: Sunlight enters the living space directly through windows.
• 🌲 Indirect Gain: Sunlight heats a thermal mass, which then radiates heat into the living space.
• 🍃 Passive Solar Cooling: Uses natural ventilation, shading, and evaporative cooling to reduce the need for air conditioning.
• 🌬️ Natural Ventilation: Relies on wind and temperature differences to circulate air.
• 🌳 Shading: Blocking sunlight with trees, overhangs, or shades to prevent overheating.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is NOT a component of passive solar heating?
   1. A. South-facing windows
   2. B. Thermal mass
   3. C. Active solar collectors
   4. D. Overhangs
2. What type of material is most effective as a thermal mass?
   1. A. Fiberglass insulation
   2. B. Wood
   3. C. Concrete
   4. D. Drywall
3. Which passive solar design strategy involves sunlight directly entering the living space?
   1. A. Trombe wall
   2. B. Indirect gain
   3. C. Direct gain
   4. D. Sunspace
4. What is the primary purpose of shading in passive solar cooling?
   1. A. To increase heat gain in winter
   2. B. To block sunlight and prevent overheating
   3. C. To improve natural lighting
   4. D. To reduce wind speed
5. How does natural ventilation contribute to passive solar cooling?
   1. A. By trapping heat inside the building
   2. B. By circulating air and removing heat
   3. C. By blocking sunlight
   4. D. By increasing humidity
6. A building uses a thick stone wall to absorb heat during the day and release it at night. This is an example of:
   1. A. Active solar heating
   2. B. Passive solar cooling
   3. C. Thermal mass
   4. D. Natural ventilation
7. What is a key advantage of passive solar design compared to active solar design?
   1. A. It is more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity
   2. B. It requires less mechanical equipment
   3. C. It is more effective in cloudy climates
   4. D. It can be easily retrofitted into existing buildings