The dominant wavelength emitted by Earth is in the range of 10 μm, which falls within the thermal infrared spectrum. This emission is a result of the Earth's surface and atmosphere releasing heat energy absorbed from the Sun.
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The primary wavelength of radiation emitted by Earth's surface is in the thermal infrared range, typically around 10 micrometers (μm). This is known as long-wave radiation, which the Earth emits as heat energy.
No, the radiation wavelengths emitted by the sun are shorter than those emitted by the Earth. The sun emits mostly visible light and shorter wavelength ultraviolet radiation, while the Earth emits longer wavelength infrared radiation due to its lower temperature.
Long wavelength radiation, such as infrared radiation, is emitted by Earth's surface after absorbing solar radiation. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap this long wavelength radiation, leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. This process helps regulate Earth's temperature by keeping the planet warm enough to support life.
The Sun emits a broader spectrum of radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet rays, and infrared radiation, while Earth primarily emits infrared radiation due to its lower temperature. The Sun's radiation is much more intense and has higher energy compared to the radiation emitted by Earth.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most powerful absorber of longwave radiation emitted by Earth, leading to the greenhouse effect and global warming.