Final answer:
Sunlight absorbed by particles or gases in the atmosphere is converted into sensible heat, which directly warms the air. This process is part of what drives the greenhouse effect and contributes to atmospheric warming.
Step-by-step explanation:
When sunlight is absorbed by particles or gases, such as ozone, in the Earth's atmosphere, it is converted into sensible heat, warming the air. Sensible heat is the type of heat that can be felt and measured with a thermometer. On the other hand, latent heat is the heat absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, such as water vaporizing into steam. Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic waves and is what we receive from the Sun. However, once the radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases, it is converted into thermal radiation, or sensible heat, which warms the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. This warming process contributes to the greenhouse effect, as some of the heat is trapped by greenhouse gases and re-radiated in all directions, including back to the surface. Sensible heat directly affects the temperature of the air and, therefore, contributes to the overall warming of the atmosphere.