What is the fundamental energy balance for Earth?

shortwave radiation in = latent heat out

shortwave radiation in = infrared radiation out

latent heat in = infrared radiation out

infrared radiation in = shortwave radiation out

infrared radiation in = latent heat out

Shortwave radiation in = infrared radiation out

Explanation:

The Sun is extremely hot, so it gives off high-energy radiation.

Energy is inversely proportional to wavelength,

E ∝ 1/λ

Thus, most of the radiation from the Sun has a short wavelength ranging from about 0.2 µm to 1.5 µm (ultraviolet and visible light).

The Earth, in contrast is quite cool, so its radiation has a longer wavelength ranging from 5 µm to 20 µm (infrared radiation).

Options A, C, and E are wrong. Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released when a substance changes state.