FALSE OR TRUE problem about incoming and outgoing energy

  • Thread starter TheMathNoob
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Energy
In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between solar and terrestrial radiation at high latitudes. It is concluded that the statement "at high latitudes, the incoming solar radiation is greater than outgoing terrestrial radiation" is false, as the amount of terrestrial radiation going out is greater. The conversation also mentions that the cooling off of high latitudes is counteracted by heat transport from low pressure zones to high pressure zones.
  • #1
TheMathNoob
189
4

Homework Statement


At high latitudes, the incoming solar radiation is greater than outgoing terrestrial radiation:
False or true

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I would say false because if that happened, high altitudes would be very warm and the north pole is not warm. I think that the amount of terrestrial radiation going out is greater than the amount of incoming solar radiation at high latitudes.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
TheMathNoob said:
I think that the amount of terrestrial radiation going out is greater than the amount of incoming solar radiation at high latitudes.

Does that mean that high latitudes are cooling off to a lower temperature than they are currently at?
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
Does that mean that high latitudes are cooling off to a lower temperature than they are currently at?
Yes
 
  • #4
TheMathNoob said:
Yes

Okay. So when does this cooling off stop?
 
  • #5
Drakkith said:
Okay. So when does this cooling off stop?
Yes, I am reading and I just noticed that this cooling off stops because of the heat transport by warm winds from low pressure zones to high pressure zones.
 

FAQ: FALSE OR TRUE problem about incoming and outgoing energy

What is the "FALSE OR TRUE problem" about incoming and outgoing energy?

The "FALSE OR TRUE problem" refers to the misconception that incoming and outgoing energy must be equal for the Earth's temperature to remain constant. This is often used as an argument against climate change, but it is a false understanding of the Earth's energy balance.

How does the Earth's energy balance work?

The Earth's energy balance is a complex system in which incoming solar radiation is balanced by outgoing infrared radiation. The amount of incoming energy is primarily determined by the Sun's intensity and the Earth's distance from it, while the amount of outgoing energy is influenced by factors such as the Earth's albedo, atmospheric composition, and surface features.

Why is the "FALSE OR TRUE problem" misleading?

The "FALSE OR TRUE problem" is misleading because it ignores the role of greenhouse gases in trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. While incoming and outgoing energy may be equal, an increase in greenhouse gases can cause an imbalance in the energy budget, leading to an overall increase in the Earth's temperature.

Is there evidence of an imbalance in the Earth's energy budget?

Yes, there is evidence that the Earth's energy budget is currently in imbalance. This is supported by measurements of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, rising global temperatures, and melting polar ice caps. These changes are consistent with the trapping of outgoing energy by greenhouse gases.

How can we address the "FALSE OR TRUE problem" and its implications for climate change?

To address the "FALSE OR TRUE problem," it is important to educate the public on the complexities of the Earth's energy balance and the role of greenhouse gases in climate change. Scientists can also continue to gather and analyze data to better understand the Earth's energy budget and its impacts on our climate. Additionally, taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can help mitigate the effects of the "FALSE OR TRUE problem" and prevent further climate change.

Similar threads

Application Of Kirchoff Law (Desert)
Replies
6
Views
1K
Does the Presence of Ice Sheets Affect Earth's Energy Balance?
Replies
2
Views
1K
What Misconceptions Exist About the Process of Diffusion?
Replies
1
Views
2K
What Are the True and False Statements About Hydrogen Electron Transitions?
Replies
4
Views
2K
What does it mean for a system to be 'Self-regulated'?
Replies
2
Views
1K
True/False Igneous Rock Formation Question
Replies
4
Views
3K
How Do Greenhouse Gases Interact with Solar and Terrestrial Radiation?
Replies
2
Views
3K
B How the Earth's Magnetic field deflects the solar wind
Replies
5
Views
2K
Chemistry Questions concerning Kinetic Molecular Theory
Replies
1
Views
2K
A The fractional energy loss of charged particle per radiation length
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top