Question

Hailey is creating a computer model to show what happens to energy from the sun when it reaches the Earth's surface. Which of the following statements explains the energy budget on Earth?

A) Most energy is made into food by plants.
B) Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits equal amounts of energy.
C) Earth's surface reflects more energy than the atmosphere.
D) The atmosphere absorbs more energy than Earth's surface.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct statement that explains the energy budget on Earth is: B) Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits equal amounts of energy.

Explanation:

Here's an explanation of why this statement is correct: When energy from the sun reaches the Earth's surface, a portion of it is absorbed by the surface, while the rest is reflected back into space or absorbed by the atmosphere. This absorbed energy is then re-emitted back into the atmosphere as heat. The Earth's surface and the atmosphere exchange energy through processes such as conduction, convection, and radiation. The statement in option B correctly states that the Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits equal amounts of energy. This means that the energy absorbed by the surface is balanced by the energy radiated back into the atmosphere. This balance is crucial for maintaining the overall energy budget of the Earth. It's important to note that options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the energy budget on Earth. Option A suggests that most energy is made into food by plants, which is not directly related to the energy budget on Earth. Option C states that the Earth's surface reflects more energy than the atmosphere, which is not true. Option D claims that the atmosphere absorbs more energy than Earth's surface, which is also incorrect. By understanding how energy is absorbed and re-emitted by the Earth's surface, we can better comprehend the energy budget and its impact on Earth's climate and weather patterns.

Answer 2

The energy budget on Earth is explained by stating that Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits unequal amounts of energy from the Sun, with about 70% of incoming solar energy being absorbed by the atmosphere and land, and the rest being reflected back to space.

Step-by-step explanation:

The energy budget on Earth can be explained by stating that Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits unequal amounts of energy from the Sun. Option B) Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits equal amounts of energy is incorrect. The Earth receives almost all its energy from radiation of the Sun, with about 70% of the incoming solar energy being absorbed by the atmosphere and land, while about 30% is reflected back to space by clouds. Additionally, the absorbed energy drives various processes such as evaporation, winds, photosynthesis, and ocean currents.