If air were a better conductor than it is,at nighttime the Earth would be
A)considerably colder.
B)considerably warmer.
C)not appreciably different in temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At nighttime, the Earth's surface radiates heat into the atmosphere. In order to keep the temperature of the Earth's surface relatively constant, this heat must be transported away from the surface. In the absence of a significant atmospheric temperature gradient, this heat transfer occurs primarily through the process of conduction, where heat is transferred from the surface to the surrounding air molecules in contact with it. If air were a better conductor of heat, it would allow more efficient heat transfer from the Earth's surface into the atmosphere, resulting in a more rapid cooling of the surface and a lower nighttime temperature. Therefore, the correct choice is A) considerably colder.

If Air Were a Better Conductor Than It Is,at Nighttime