Earth's Energy Balance and Sunlight

The video explains how sunlight reaches Earth, its composition, and how it is reflected and absorbed. Sunlight consists of UV, visible, and infrared radiation. About 29% of sunlight is reflected back into space, while 12% is radiated back without being absorbed. The remaining 59% is absorbed by the atmosphere, contributing to Earth's climate equilibrium at around 15°C. This balance is crucial for maintaining a stable climate.

How far is the Earth from the Sun?

• 150 million kilometers

• 93 million miles

• 150 million miles

• 93 million kilometers

What is the intensity of sunlight that reaches the Earth?

• 1000 watts per square meter

• 1200 watts per square meter

• 1500 watts per square meter

• 1361 watts per square meter

Which of the following is NOT a component of sunlight?

• Infrared radiation

• Visible light

• Gamma rays

• UV radiation

What percentage of sunlight is reflected back into space?

• 41%

• 29%

• 59%

• 12%

Which surface feature is most reflective of sunlight?

• Deserts

• Snow and ice

• Oceans

• Forests

What percentage of sunlight is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere?

• 41%

• 12%

• 59%

• 29%

Which process is NOT involved in the absorption of sunlight by the atmosphere?

• Infrared radiation

• Photosynthesis

• Evaporation

• Convection currents

What is the equilibrium temperature of the Earth?

• 15 degrees centigrade

• 25 degrees centigrade

• 20 degrees centigrade

• 10 degrees centigrade

What happens if the Earth's energy balance goes out of equilibrium?

• The Earth will cool down

• The Earth's temperature will stabilize

• The Earth's climate will remain unchanged

• The Earth will heat up

What is the role of the atmosphere in Earth's energy balance?

• It absorbs and reradiates energy

• It reflects all sunlight

• It only absorbs UV radiation

• It does not interact with sunlight