Assume Earth is a uniform sphere that receives a solar flux of at the top of the…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Modern Physics · Modern Physics

Problem

Assume Earth is a uniform sphere that receives a solar flux of

1360\,\text{W}\,\text{m}^{-2}

at the top of the atmosphere. Treat the planet as having an albedo of

0.30

and emissivity

\varepsilon = 1.0

. Ignoring atmospheric greenhouse effects, what is Earth’s equilibrium surface temperature? (Stefan–Boltzmann constant

\sigma = 5.67\times10^{-8}\,\text{W}\,\text{m}^{-2}\,\text{K}^{-4}

) (a)

215\,\text{K}

(b)

255\,\text{K}

(c)

279\,\text{K}

(d)

288\,\text{K}