What happens to the Earth's absorbed electromagnetic radiation?

The absorption of electromagnetic radiation by the Earth primarily leads to the re-emission of that energy in the form of longer wavelength infrared radiation. When the Earth absorbs solar energy, it heats up and then radiates this energy back into space as infrared radiation. This process is essential for maintaining the Earth's energy balance and is a key element in the greenhouse effect, where certain gases in the atmosphere trap some of this infrared radiation, contributing to warmer temperatures.

The other options do not accurately describe what happens to the absorbed electromagnetic radiation. While some radiation may be reflected, it is not all of it, and heat is generated but not all the energy is converted into heat alone. Additionally, not all absorbed energy is converted into chemical energy; this only occurs in processes like photosynthesis, which is a specific case rather than a general rule for all absorbed electromagnetic radiation.