The average amount of radiation energy (mainly light) that strikes the Earth every second is:
1.7×1017 joules
This corresponds to the amount of electrical energy consumed by Norway over 150 days or the amount of electricity consumed over the whole of Europe every week.
How much of this energy from the Sun is reflected? How much is absorbed? Approximately how much infra-red radiation (heat) do you think the Earth radiates back into space each second? Give a reason for your answer.
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