The earth emits radiation with greatest intensity at
A) infrared wavelengths.
B) radio wavelengths.
C) visible wavelengths.
D) ultraviolet wavelengths.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Earth's surface and atmosphere emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which is the longest wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum. This is because the Earth's temperature (around 15°C) is much cooler than the temperature of the sun (around 5,500°C), which emits radiation at shorter, visible wavelengths. Thus, the Earth's radiation peaks at longer, infrared wavelengths.

The Earth Emits Radiation with Greatest Intensity at