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

Answer: b.  More than 90% of the solar energy that strikes Earth is absorbed.

Explanation:

The earth absorbs almost 90% of the solar energy that is incidented by the sun. The earth radiate back the rest of the solar energy back to the space from the terrestrial regions of the earth crust. This process helps in maintaining the balance of thermal energy on earth. This process supports life as with increase in heat can result in melting of glaciers and water bodies, fluctuations in seasons and many animals will loose their lives and may die.