[Maximum number: 1]

The albedo of the atmosphere above a small region on the Earth's surface is 0.25 . The solar constant is S.

What is the incoming intensity of solar radiation incident on this region when the Sun is directly overhead?

A

$\frac{3 S}{16}$

B

$\frac{S}{4}$

C

$\frac{3 S}{4}$

D

S

[Maximum number: 1]

The energy balance model of a planet's climate is shown. The reflected and radiated intensities are given in terms of the incident incoming intensity I.

What is the radiated intensity from the surface of the planet?

A

0.40 I

B

0.50 I

C

0.70 I

D

1.10 I

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows the incident, radiated and reflected intensities of the solar radiation for two regions X and Y on the surface of Earth. X and Y have the same surface temperature.

Which region has a greater albedo, and which region has a greater emissivity?

Greater albedo

Greater emissivity

X

Y

X

Y

[Maximum number: 1]

What is a primary cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

Melting of ice at Earth's poles

B

Increases in volcanic activity

C

Deforestation of rain forests

D

Burning of fossil fuels

[Maximum number: 1]

Which process involving gas molecules in the Earth's atmosphere is the main cause of the greenhouse effect?

A

Reflection of incoming solar radiation

B

Absorption and re-radiation of incoming solar radiation

C

Reflection of outgoing infrared radiation

D

Absorption and re-radiation of outgoing infrared radiation

[Maximum number: 1]

A student makes three statements about Earth's albedo.
I. It varies daily.
II. It depends on latitude.
III. It depends on cloud formation.

Which of the statements are correct?

A

I and II only

B

I and III only

C

II and III only

D

I, II and III

(a)

Explain why the power absorbed by the Earth is

\frac{P}{4 \pi d^{2}} \times(1-\alpha) \times \pi r^{2}

(b)

The equation in (a) leads to the following expression which can be used to predict the Earth's average surface temperature T.

T=\sqrt[4]{\frac{(1-\alpha) P}{16 \pi \sigma d^{2}}}

[ 4 ]

(i)

Calculate the predicted temperature of the Earth.

[ 2 ]

(ii)

Explain why the actual average surface temperature of the Earth is in fact higher than the answer to (b)(i).

A3. This question is about thermal energy transfer.
A hot piece of iron is placed into a container of cold water. After a time the iron and water reach thermal equilibrium. The heat capacity of the container is negligible.

[ 2 ]

[Maximum number: 1]

The diagram shows the incident, radiated and reflected intensities of the solar radiation for two regions X and Y on the surface of Earth. X and Y have the same surface temperature.

Which region has a greater albedo, and which region has a greater emissivity?

Greater albedo

Greater emissivity

X

Y

X

Y

[Maximum number: 1]

What is a primary cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

Melting of ice at Earth's poles

B

Increases in volcanic activity

C

Deforestation of rainforests

D

Burning of fossil fuels

[Maximum number: 1]

The albedo of a planet with no atmosphere is 0.25 . The reflected intensity is $240 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$ .

What is the outgoing radiated intensity?

A

$180 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$

B

$300 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$

C

$720 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$

D

$960 \mathrm{Wm}^{-2}$