1. Human exposure to ultraviolet radiation is more dangerous than exposure to infrared radiation because infrared radiation is the least energetic. UV lights can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and are even hot enough to be used for sterilization. Infrared radiation is mostly just heat energy and is not very harmful.
2. Visible solar radiation energizes electrons and provides energy in order for photosynthesis reactions to occur.
3. There is less water vapor in dry areas like New Mexico and Arizona, and therefore infrared radiation is not stored and reradiated back into the atmosphere but is just stuck at the surface of the Earth. That is what is causing dry hot weather during the day and cold temperatures at night. However in places such as Florida, there is an abundant amount of water vapor in the air which absorbs the heat, keeping the temperature more stable.
4.
a. If the Earth had fewer gas molecules the days would be much hotter because there would not be enough molecules to absorb the heat and reflect it back to the atmosphere, and therefore, the heat would be stuck on the surface.
b. A less dense atmosphere would make the nights much cooler because there would not be enough gas molecules to absorb the heat and maintain it for the night.
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