Final answer:
The radiation from the Sun that enters Earth's atmosphere is partially absorbed, which warms the Earth's surface. This is primarily due to the greenhouse effect, where greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. About 30% of solar radiation is reflected back into space, while the rest increasingly contributes to the Earth's temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once radiation from the Sun enters the Earth's atmosphere, the correct answer is C) It is partially absorbed, warming the Earth's surface. The atmosphere allows a range of solar radiation, including ultraviolet rays, visible light, and infrared radiation, to pass through while it also reflects some of this radiation back into space and absorbs other parts. Approximately 30% of the Sun's radiation is directly reflected back into space by clouds, snow, and various surfaces. The remaining 70% is absorbed by the Earth's surface, which is then reradiated in the form of heat, primarily as infrared radiation.
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide and water vapor, play a crucial role by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation in all directions, leading to an increase in warmth of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere. This process is known as the greenhouse effect, and it is essential for maintaining the temperatures necessary to support life on our planet. Without it, Earth's average temperature would be far too cold.
Ultimately, most of the heat that is generated on Earth's surface from this absorbed solar energy finds its way back to the cosmos as infrared radiation, maintaining an energy balance. Energy absorption and reflection by the atmosphere are critical components of Earth's climate system.