Author Question: Suppose the Suns surface temperature suddenly cools to 2000oC. Why would the sky appear more red ... (Read 58 times)

daltonest1984

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 536
Suppose the Suns surface temperature suddenly cools to 2000oC. Why would the sky appear more red than blue?
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What would have the greatest impact on Earths greenhouse effect: removing all of the CO2 from the atmosphere or removing all of the water vapor? Explain your reasoning.



CourtneyCNorton

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 317
Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: Based on Wien's Law, if the Sun were to cool to a lower temperature, the Sun would emit a peak in radiation at longer wavelengths. The longer wavelengths would be shifted toward the lower energy red portion of the visible spectrum. At present, the top of Earth's atmosphere reflects shorter blue wavelengths of light. If the Sun's energy spectrum were to be shifted, the Earth's atmosphere would be impacted by longer wavelengths of light and create a redder atmosphere.

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: Students should describe that removing water vapor would have the greatest impact because water vapor is a strong absorber of infrared radiation and because atmospheric concentrations of H2O are much higher than concentrations of CO2



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Earwax has antimicrobial properties that reduce the viability of bacteria and fungus in the human ear.

Did you know?

Approximately 500,000 babies are born each year in the United States to teenage mothers.

Did you know?

One way to reduce acid reflux is to lose two or three pounds. Most people lose weight in the belly area first when they increase exercise, meaning that heartburn can be reduced quickly by this method.

Did you know?

Inotropic therapy does not have a role in the treatment of most heart failure patients. These drugs can make patients feel and function better but usually do not lengthen the predicted length of their lives.

Did you know?

Certain topical medications such as clotrimazole and betamethasone are not approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age. They must be used very cautiously, as directed by a doctor, to treat any child. Children have a much greater response to topical steroid medications.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library