Consider the following statements regarding the temperature of the Ear

Consider the following statements regarding the temperature of the Earth’s surface:

1. The temperature of a surface is determined by net radiation
2. Net radiation produces a radiant energy flow that can heat or cool a surface
3. Net radiation balance is usually positive during the daytime and negative during night time
4. Soil surface loses energy as temperature increases during the daytime

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 2 only

3 and 4 only

1, 2 and 3 only

1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2024

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The correct answer is C) 1, 2 and 3 only.

Statements 1, 2, and 3 accurately describe aspects of the Earth’s surface temperature and net radiation. The temperature of a surface is fundamentally determined by the balance of incoming and outgoing energy fluxes, which is often dominated by radiation (net radiation). A positive net radiation leads to a net gain of energy and thus heating, while a negative net radiation leads to a net loss of energy and thus cooling. During the daytime, incoming solar radiation is high, typically resulting in a positive net radiation balance. At night, with no incoming solar radiation, the surface loses energy primarily through longwave radiation, leading to a negative net radiation balance.

Statement 4 is incorrect. During the daytime, as the soil surface temperature increases due to a positive net energy balance, the rate of outgoing longwave radiation and other energy losses (like sensible and latent heat) increases. However, the surface is *gaining* energy overall (positive net radiation minus other fluxes) which *causes* the temperature to increase. The statement “loses energy as temperature increases during the daytime” is misleading and contradicts the fact that the surface is heating up due to a net energy gain.

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