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What is the fundamental energy balance for Earth?

shortwave radiation in = latent heat out
shortwave radiation in = infrared radiation out
latent heat in = infrared radiation out
infrared radiation in = shortwave radiation out
infrared radiation in = latent heat out

User Thorben
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Answer:

Shortwave radiation in = infrared radiation out

Step-by-step explanation:

The Sun is extremely hot, so it gives off high-energy radiation.

Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength,

E ∝ 1/λ

Thus, most of the radiation from the Sun has a short wavelength ranging from about 0.2 µm to 1.5 µm (ultraviolet and visible light).

The Earth, in contrast is quite cool, so its radiation has a longer wavelength ranging from 5 µm to 20 µm (infrared radiation).

Options A, C, and E are wrong. Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released when a substance changes state.

What is the fundamental energy balance for Earth? shortwave radiation in = latent-example-1
User Mmorihiro
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