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If the amount of short-wavelength radiation reaching Earth were to increase, the amount of long-wavelength radiation emitted by Earth would ____.

User CaseyWebb
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Final answer:

An increase in short-wavelength radiation reaching Earth would result in an increased emission of long-wavelength radiation from Earth due to the principles of thermodynamics and black-body radiation. More absorbed radiation means more re-emitted radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the amount of short-wavelength radiation reaching Earth were to increase, the amount of long-wavelength radiation emitted by Earth would also increase. This principle is rooted in the field of thermodynamics and the concept of black body radiation. When Earth absorbs short-wave radiation, it heats up, causing it to emit more long-wave radiation. More radiation is absorbed, thus more is re-emitted. For example, during a sunny day, the Earth absorbs a lot of short-wave radiation. This energy is then re-radiated as long-wave radiation in the form of heat, which we sense as warmth.

Learn more about Black Body Radiation

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