The sun continuously radiates energy into space in all directions. Some of the sun's energy is intercepted by the earth. The average temperature of the surface of the earth remains a little above 300 K. Why doesn't the earth's temperature rise as it intercepts the sun's energy?

Select one:

a. The earth reflects the sun's light.

b. The energy only raises the temperature of the upper atmosphere and never reaches the surface.

c. The heat is carried away from the earth by convection currents.

d. The thermal conductivity of the earth is low.

e. The earth radiates an amount of energy into space equal to the amount it receives.