Which of the following is true concerning the balance between the solar energy absorbed and radiated by earth? a. earth’s atmosphere absorbs a larger fraction of total solar energy than it radiates. b. more than 90% of the solar energy that strikes earth is absorbed. c. earth’s surface is responsible for absorbing a larger fraction of energy than it radiates. d. none of the above.

The right answer is D. none of above.

Light can be defined as a wave and also as packets of energy: particles called photons. The energy increases when the frequency increases that is to say that one goes towards the ultraviolet (UV).

The sun emits its maximum wavelengths between 0.3μm and 25μm.

The atmosphere, the oceans and the surface of the continents absorb solar radiation (short wavelengths: 0.2 to 4 micrometers). This has the effect of increasing their temperature. But any body brought to a certain temperature emits radiations in turn. The wavelength of these radiations depends on the temperature of the emitting surface. Thus, the Earth emits infrared radiation to space; it represents a loss of energy for the Earth.

On earth 70-85% of the radiation is absorbed, 15-30% is reflected. and the energy that has been absorbed is emitted as infrared rays.