Question

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.

Answer 1

More than 90 percent of the solar energy that strikes the Earth is absorbed. This is the statement most concerning the balance between the solar energy absorbed and radiated by Earth. 

Answer 2

The correct answer is option D. none of the above.

The solar light coming from the sun to the earth is reflected by our atmosphere. As the sunlight strikes the outer layer of the earth, 29% of the sunlight is reflected back.

The remaining 71% of the light is allowed to enter in the earth's atmosphere. From the 71% of the light 23% of the sunlight is reflected back  to sun by the atmospheric layers and clouds, and only 48% light is absorbed by earth's surface.