When less energy radiates from a planet, its _____ increases until a new ______ is achieved. a. temperature; equilibrium b. size; temperature c. equilibrium; size d. temperature; size

Energy radiation refers to the process through which a planet loses heat into space. This is an essential concept in planetary thermodynamics because it directly influences a planet's temperature. The energy a planet radiates away is primarily in the form of infrared radiation.
When a planet radiates less energy, it loses less heat. This can happen if the planet's atmosphere becomes more efficient at trapping heat (the greenhouse effect), or if external factors such as reduced solar input occur.
Understanding energy radiation is crucial for studying how planets maintain their temperature and how changes in energy radiation can affect their climate. For example:

• If less energy radiates, the planet's temperature increases.
• If more energy radiates, the planet's temperature decreases.

Temperature equilibrium is the state at which the energy a planet gains equals the energy it loses. This concept is important for understanding how planets stabilize their climate.
When a planet's temperature is not at equilibrium, it will either warm up or cool down. If a planet gains more energy than it loses, its temperature will rise until it radiates enough energy to match the incoming energy. Conversely, if it loses more energy than it gains, it cools down until the energy loss reduces.
The equilibrium temperature depends on various factors such as:

• The planet's distance from its star.
• The composition and thickness of its atmosphere.
• The reflective properties of its surface (albedo).

The laws of thermodynamics are fundamental principles that describe how energy moves and transforms in a system. They are crucial for understanding planetary thermodynamics.
The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of energy conservation, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. This law explains why energy absorbed by a planet must eventually be radiated back into space.
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system will always increase over time. This principle underlies why planets aim for equilibrium, as they strive to reach a balance where energy distribution is stable.
These laws help predict how planets behave thermodynamically:

• A planet will adjust its temperature based on energy gained and lost.
• Equilibrium is the state where energy input matches energy output.