How does emitting or receiving radiation affect the temperature of a gas or body?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Emitting or receiving radiation plays a crucial role in determining the temperature of a gas or a body. When a body emits radiation, it loses energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, which results in a decrease in temperature. This phenomenon is based on the principle of energy conservation: as energy is radiated away, the internal energy of the body diminishes, leading to a drop in temperature.

Conversely, when a body receives radiation, it absorbs energy from the surrounding environment. This absorption increases the internal energy of the body, which typically raises its temperature. For example, a surface that absorbs sunlight will warm up because it takes in energy from the sun’s radiation.

Thus, the statement that emitting radiation lowers the temperature while receiving radiation increases it accurately reflects how these processes influence thermal dynamics. Understanding this principle is essential for analyzing heat exchange in various meteorological and environmental contexts, such as the Earth's energy budget or atmospheric temperature variations.

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