If the earth’s average surface temperature were to increase, the amount of radiation emitted from the earth’s surface would ____, and the wavelength of peak emission would shift toward ____ wavelengths.

The correct answer is: A. Increase, longer.

The amount of radiation emitted from the earth’s surface is proportional to its temperature. As the earth’s temperature increases, it will emit more radiation. The wavelength of peak emission will shift toward longer wavelengths because of Wien’s displacement law, which states that the peak emission wavelength of a blackbody radiator is inversely proportional to its temperature.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each option:

• Option A: Increase, longer. This is the correct answer. As the earth’s temperature increases, it will emit more radiation. The wavelength of peak emission will shift toward longer wavelengths because of Wien’s displacement law.
• Option B: Increase, shorter. This is incorrect. The wavelength of peak emission will not shift toward shorter wavelengths.
• Option C: Decrease, shorter. This is incorrect. The amount of radiation emitted from the earth’s surface will not decrease.
• Option D: Decrease, longer. This is incorrect. The wavelength of peak emission will not shift toward longer wavelengths.