1. Understanding Earth’s energy balance is essential to understanding the issue of global warming. For example, the solar energy striking Earth’s surface averages 168 watts per square meter (W/m^2), but the energy leaving Earth’s surface averages 390 W/m^2). Why isn’t Earth cooling rapidly?

Some heat energy trapped by clouds and atmosphere, even though it is reflected off earth’s ground surface.

2. Decide and explain whether the statement is correct or incorrect. Explain.

Incorrect.The extreme winter is a result of global warming which should be a cause of concern as more extreme winters will have devastating consequences on traffic/temperature/crops etc.

3. One of the first radar devices developed during World War II used microwave radiation of a specific wave range that triggers the rotation of water molecules. Why was the design not successful?

The radiation warms up drinking water/liquid items unnecessarily. Food gets cooked/ might explode (eggs) due to the heat energy.

4. Now that you have studies air quality (Unit 1), stratospheric ozone depletion (Unit 2), and global warming (Unit 3), which do you believe poses the most serious problem for you in the short run (pick one and explain)? In the long run (Pick one and explain why)?
Short run – Air quality as it affects health directly like respiratory issues. Also affects road/air traffic vision.
Long run – Ozone depletion as it is a cause of global warming as well. Causes serious medical issues in the long run like skin cancer due to increased and more intensive exposure.