Solar energy strikes the top of the Earth’s atmosphere at 343 W m−2. About 30 per cent of this energy is reflected directly back into space. The Earth–atmosphere system absorbs the remaining energy and re-radiates it into space as black-body radiation at 5.672 × 10−8(T/K)4 W m−2, where T is the temperature. Assuming that the arrangement has come to equilibrium, what is the average black-body temperature of the Earth? Calculate the wavelength at which the black-body radiation from the Earth is at a maximum.

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology Update (No access codes included)
9th Edition
ISBN:9781305116399
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter20: The First Law Of Thermodynamics
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 20.8OQ: Beryllium has roughly one-half the specific heat of water (H2O). Rank the quantities of energy input...
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Solar energy strikes the top of the Earth’s atmosphere at 343 W m−2. About 30 per cent of this energy is reflected directly back into space. The Earth–atmosphere system absorbs the remaining energy and re-radiates it into space as black-body radiation at 5.672 × 10−8(T/K)4 W m−2, where T is the temperature. Assuming that the arrangement has come to equilibrium, what is the average black-body temperature of the Earth? Calculate the wavelength at which the black-body radiation from the Earth is at a maximum.

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