Chapter 22, Problem 64RPP

To determine

The reason for the Earth’s average surface temperature without its atmosphere to be $255\text{ K}$ from the provided options:

a. At that temperature, the emission rate of radiation from the Earth would just balance the absorption rate of radiation from the Sun.

b. The emission of the Earth’s radiation is from a sphere of area $4\pi R_{\text{Earth}}^2$, whereas the absorption of radiation from the Sun is from an area $\pi R_{\text{Earth}}^2$.

c. Earth’s cross section would be significantly reduced because of the lack of the atmosphere.

d. Answers a and b are correct.

e. Answers a, b, and c contribute about equally to this temperature calculation.