9.3 Greenhouse Effect

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet.

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Greenhouse gases are gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Key examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor (H2O).

Front

What type of radiation do greenhouse gases primarily absorb?

Back

Greenhouse gases primarily absorb infrared radiation.

Front

Which greenhouse gas is most responsible for the natural greenhouse effect?

Back

Water vapor is the most responsible greenhouse gas for the natural greenhouse effect.

Front

What human activities contribute to increased levels of carbon dioxide?

Back

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes contribute to increased levels of carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the role of methane in the greenhouse effect?

Back

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming.

Front

How does nitrous oxide contribute to the greenhouse effect?

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Nitrous oxide is released from agricultural activities, such as fertilizer application, and it has a much higher heat-trapping ability than carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the difference between natural and anthropogenic greenhouse gases?

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Natural greenhouse gases are those that occur in nature, while anthropogenic greenhouse gases are those that are emitted as a result of human activities.

Front

What is the primary source of methane emissions?

Back

The primary sources of methane emissions include agriculture (especially livestock), landfills, and natural gas production.

Front

What is the significance of the Earth's long-wave infrared radiation?

Back

The Earth emits long-wave infrared radiation as it cools down, which is then absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases, contributing to the greenhouse effect.