Final answer:
At the radiative equilibrium temperature, Earth is a. emitting infrared radiation at the same rate that it's absorbing shortwave radiation, resulting in a relatively constant temperature. Most of the emitted infrared radiation from Earth is absorbed by CO₂ and H₂O in the atmosphere, contributing to the energy balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the radiative equilibrium temperature, Earth is a. emitting infrared radiation at the same rate that it's absorbing shortwave radiation - so the Earth's average temperature does not change.
The relatively constant temperature of the Earth is a result of the energy balance between the incoming solar radiation and the energy radiated from the Earth. Most of the infrared radiation emitted from the Earth is absorbed by carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) in the atmosphere and then re-radiated back to the Earth or into outer space.