Question

what are the two basic laws of radiation. explain them without using formulas; and then explain the significance of these laws in the energy balance of the earth/atmosphere system.

Answer 1

Two basic laws:

1. Stefan Boltzmann Law: The total energy radiated from a black body is proportional to the fourth power of its absolute temperature.
2. Wein's Law: The maximum energy radiated from a black body at a wavelength proportional to the inverse of the absolute temperature.

The maximum energy radiated decreases with increase in temperature.. and the total energy radiated increases with temperature. When incoming radiation falls on object on the Earth, it absorbs energy and hence gains some temperature and then releases radiation whose maximum energy decreases with increase in temperature whereas total enery increases. Hence, in this way these laws signify the energy-balance of earth/atmosphere system.