What is the energy budget?

The energy budget refers to the balance between solar energy received by the Earth and the energy radiated back into space, including heat loss. This concept is integral to understanding various meteorological phenomena and climate dynamics.

When sunlight reaches Earth, it is not only absorbed but also reflected back into the atmosphere and space. The balance of incoming solar energy and outgoing energy determines the planet's overall temperature and is crucial for maintaining climate stability. If the amount of solar energy exceeds the heat lost, the Earth warms; if heat loss exceeds solar energy, the Earth cools.

Understanding this balance is essential for predicting weather patterns, climate changes, and the Earth's energy balance system as a whole. Other options may touch on aspects of energy or relate to environmental factors, but they do not correctly define the energy budget in the context of meteorology as option B does.