A. The planet Venus is different from the earth in several respects: (a) it is only 70 % as far from the sun, so the solar constant is 2800 W/m²; (b) its thick clouds reflect 77% of all incident sunlight and (c) its atmosphere is much more opaque to infrared light. (i) Estimate what the average surface temperature of Venus would be if it had no atmosphere and did not reflect any sunlight. (ii) Taking into account the reflectivity of the clouds, estimate the surface temperature. B. Use the theory of Earth's energy balance to discuss the greenhouse effect.
A. The planet Venus is different from the earth in several respects: (a) it is only 70 % as far from the sun, so the solar constant is 2800 W/m²; (b) its thick clouds reflect 77% of all incident sunlight and (c) its atmosphere is much more opaque to infrared light. (i) Estimate what the average surface temperature of Venus would be if it had no atmosphere and did not reflect any sunlight. (ii) Taking into account the reflectivity of the clouds, estimate the surface temperature. B. Use the theory of Earth's energy balance to discuss the greenhouse effect.
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