Final answer:
The Earth's atmosphere is transparent to shortwave radiation but not entirely transparent to longwave radiation due to the presence of greenhouse gases that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. The statement is True.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the atmosphere is transparent to shortwave but absorbs longwave radiation is mostly true. The Earth's atmosphere is largely transparent to the shortwave radiation, including visible light and some ultraviolet radiation, from the sun. However, when it comes to longwave radiation, such as the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth, the atmosphere is not entirely transparent. Greenhouse gases within the atmosphere absorb this longwave radiation and re-emit it, a process that contributes to the greenhouse effect. As a result, the atmosphere acts like a glass window that is transparent to sunlight but traps heat, therefore keeping the Earth warmer than it would otherwise be. This trapping effect is crucial for maintaining a climate that can support life as we know it.