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raistca
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We know that heat is transferred from the sun to the Earth via electromagnetic radiation, right? Since no other form of heat transfer can occur in a vacuum that must be the case. We also know (?) that electromagnetic radiation does not dissipate over distance (could be wrong here). If that is true, then why is it hotter than Earth on Venus and colder on Mars (atmospheric effects aside)?
In other words, if the energy contained in electromagnetic radiation does not dissipate over distance/time, then Mars should receive the same amount of radiant heat as Earth does (per square mile surface area).
I suppose this could be caused by increased distance between each photon as the radiation travels greater distance, but not sure. Someone please enlighten me because this has been tumbling around my head for days now.
In other words, if the energy contained in electromagnetic radiation does not dissipate over distance/time, then Mars should receive the same amount of radiant heat as Earth does (per square mile surface area).
I suppose this could be caused by increased distance between each photon as the radiation travels greater distance, but not sure. Someone please enlighten me because this has been tumbling around my head for days now.