👉 Greenhouse effect math revolves around the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation in Earth's atmosphere. When sunlight reaches Earth, some is reflected back into space, but the rest is absorbed and re-radiated as heat by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. The amount of energy retained by these gases depends on their concentration and the efficiency with which they trap heat. This process can be quantified using the Stefan-Boltzmann law, which states that the energy radiated per unit area by a black body is proportional to the fourth power of its temperature. The net effect results in a warming of the planet, with the greenhouse effect being a natural phenomenon that maintains Earth's temperature suitable for life. However, human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations, amplifying this effect and leading to global warming. The balance can be expressed as: \[ \text{Returned Solar Radiation} = \text{Incoming Solar Radiation} - \text{Outgoing Infrared Radiation} \] \[ \text{Net Energy Balance} = \text{Incoming Solar Energy} - \text{Outgoing Infrared Radiation} \] When the outgoing infrared radiation exceeds the incoming solar energy, Earth warms. This balance is crucial for understanding climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate its impacts.
