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Chapter 2: Problem 12

Describe the various segments of the electromagnetic spectrum, from shortest to longest wavelength. What are the main wavelengths produced by the Sun? Which wavelengths does Earth radiate to space?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The electromagnetic spectrum, from shortest to longest wavelength, includes Gamma Rays, X-Rays, Ultraviolet rays, Visible light, Infrared rays, Microwaves, and Radio waves. The Sun mostly radiates energy in the visible light and infrared range, with some in the ultraviolet range. Earth primarily radiates to space in the Infrared wavelength range.

Step by step solution

01

Discussing the Electromagnetic Spectrum Segments

Start with Gamma rays, which have the shortest wavelength. Move successively to X-rays, Ultraviolet rays, Visible light, Infrared rays, Microwaves, and finally Radio waves, which have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. In terms of wavelength: Gamma Rays < X-rays < Ultraviolet < Visible Light < Infrared < Microwaves < Radio Waves
02

Discussing Solar Radiation

The Sun emits energy across all segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, it mostly radiates energy in the visible light and infrared range, with some radiation in the ultraviolet range. In terms of power, the Sun radiates most of its energy around the wavelength of 500 nm, which is in the visible light range.
03

Discussing Earth's Radiation

The Earth absorbs most of the incoming solar radiation and re-emits it as infrared radiation. The infrared radiation, in turn, escapes into space. So, in terms of wavelength, the Earth radiates mainly in the Infrared range.

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