IB skill practice

Explain greenhouse energy balance

Paper 1, Paper 2 5 marks Difficulty 3

Net radiative imbalance

In a second version of the same investigation, In a greenhouse energy-balance diagram, Earth absorbs \(265\,\text{W m}^{-2}\) and emits \(234\,\text{W m}^{-2}\) to space. Calculate the net gain. Use the diagram first, then calculate the requested value. Enter the numerical result and choose the interpretation that matches the physical meaning.

Worked practice: physics data and result

Read the physical quantities first, then calculate the result and state what it means.