Final answer:
Surface temperature is a result of solar radiation, the greenhouse effect from gases like CO₂ and H₂O, and infrared radiation. These factors contribute to the energy balance that maintains the Earth's temperature suitable for life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surface temperature is a combination of solar radiation, heat trapped by greenhouse gases, and infrared radiation. Solar radiation is the energy received from the sun, which reaches Earth's surface and is then radiated back as heat. Greenhouse gases such as water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth's atmosphere absorb this heat, preventing it from escaping into outer space immediately. This trapping of heat is what is commonly known as the greenhouse effect. It contributes to maintaining the Earth's surface temperature significantly higher than it would be without these gases. Additionally, the atmosphere's ability to absorb and emit infrared radiation plays a critical role in determining the surface temperature of our planet. The energy balance between the incoming solar radiation and the energy radiated from Earth contributes to Earth's relatively constant temperature, which is crucial for sustaining life.