Solar Radiation: Shortwave and Longwave

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Questions and Answers

How does the wavelength of radiation relate to the temperature of the emitting object?

The hotter the object, the shorter the wavelength. (correct)
Temperature and wavelength are unrelated.
The cooler the object, the shorter the wavelength.
The hotter the object, the longer the wavelength.

What primarily determines the intensity of sunlight striking the ground?

The Earth's distance from the sun.
The sun's angle in the sky and the angle of incidence. (correct)
The time of year.
The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

If the sun is directly overhead, what are the approximate values of the altitude angle, zenith angle, and incidence angle, respectively?

0°, 90°, 0°
90°, 90°, 90°
90°, 0°, 0° (correct)
0°, 0°, 90°

What happens to energy coming at a larger angle of incidence, such as when the sun is lower in the sky?

It passes through more of the atmosphere, increasing the chance of attenuation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Insolation'?

Incoming solar radiation or shortwave radiation from the sun. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the angle of incidence affect the intensity of heating on a flat surface?

A smaller angle of incidence results in more intense heating. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Zenith?

The point directly above the observer's head. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the Azimuth angle represent?

The compass direction of the sun. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a surface has a high albedo, what does this indicate about its interaction with incoming solar radiation?

It reflects most of the incoming radiation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between solar radiation and terrestrial radiation?

Solar radiation is shortwave, while terrestrial radiation is longwave. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What effect do changes in Earth's surface albedo have on climate?

Significant impacts on climate, such as altered heat absorption. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Earth's axial tilt in relation to the seasons?

It, along with Earth's orbit, determines the seasons. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does latitude affect the angle of incoming solar radiation?

The angle of incidence changes with latitude. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the solstices?

Solar radiation is perpendicular to either the Tropic of Cancer or Capricorn. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of equinoxes?

Solar radiation is perpendicular to the Equator. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when electromagnetic radiation passes through the atmosphere?

It can be absorbed, reflected, scattered, or transmitted. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does selective absorption occur in the atmosphere?

Different gases absorb only certain wavelengths. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Earth's shape influence variations in heating across its surface?

The spherical shape changes the angle of incoming radiation, leading to variations in heating. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If the zenith angle is increasing throughout the day, what is happening to the altitude angle?

It is decreasing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Compared to a surface with a low albedo, how does a surface with a high albedo influence local temperatures, assuming all other factors are constant?

It would be cooler, as high albedo surfaces reflect more sunlight. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Radiation

Transfer of energy via electromagnetic waves (photons).

Longwave Radiation

Radiation with wavelengths greater than 4 micrometers.