Question

Atmospheric gases, land, and water absorb energy from incoming solar radiation. As a result, as the waves are reflected back to space, they have a(n) ________ wavelength.

A. Shorter
B. Longer
C. Equal
D. Uneven

Answer 1

The waves that are reflected back to space have a shorter wavelength.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is A. Shorter.

Atmospheric gases, land, and water absorb energy from incoming solar radiation. As a result, when the waves are reflected back to space, they have a shorter wavelength. Shorter wavelengths carry more energy, while longer wavelengths carry less energy.

For example, think of a piece of moving rope. It takes less effort to move a long, wide wave compared to a short, tight wave. The shorter, tighter waves require more energy to produce.