3.2 Climate change

greenhouse effect

• The greenhouse effect is a process that only occurs on Mars.

• The greenhouse effect is caused by the depletion of ozone in the atmosphere.

• The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to trapped heat by greenhouse gases.

• The greenhouse effect cools the Earth's surface by reflecting sunlight.

Answer explanation

The greenhouse effect refers to the warming of Earth's surface as greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere. This process is essential for maintaining a habitable climate, unlike the incorrect options provided.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What are the greenhouse gasses?

• Oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen

• Carbon monoxide, ozone, argon, and helium

• Chlorofluorocarbons, ammonia, acetylene, and benzene

• Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor.

Answer explanation

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The correct answer includes carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, which are the primary greenhouse gases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

cumulative

• Cumulative means increasing or increase in quantity

• Cumulative refers to a single event.

• Cumulative is a term used for static measurements.

• Cumulative means decreasing or diminishing over time.

Answer explanation

Cumulative refers to an increase in quantity over time, making the first choice correct. The other options incorrectly define cumulative as static or decreasing.

The mixture of gasses that surround Earth (the air)

• Lithosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Atmosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Atmosphere' as it refers to the mixture of gases surrounding Earth, commonly known as air. The other options refer to different Earth systems: lithosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (life).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities is

• carbon dioxide

• nitrous oxide

• methane

• ozone

Answer explanation

The primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities is carbon dioxide. It is released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and various industrial processes, making it the most significant contributor to climate change.

The act of producing or sending out something such as energy of gasses from a source

• reflection

• transmission

• emission

• absorption

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'emission' because it specifically refers to the act of producing or sending out energy or gases from a source, unlike reflection, transmission, or absorption which describe different processes.

anything that absorbs more carbon that it releases (trees, ocean)

• carbon sink

• carbon source

• carbon neutral

• carbon emitter

Answer explanation

A carbon sink is any system that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases, such as trees and oceans. This contrasts with carbon sources, which emit more carbon than they absorb.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

The greenhouse effect is due to

• the absorption and reradiation of infrared radiation by the atmosphere

• the reflection of ultraviolet radiation by the atmosphere

• the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the atmosphere

• the reflection of infrared radiation from Earth's surface

• the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by Earth

Answer explanation

The greenhouse effect occurs when the atmosphere absorbs and reradiates infrared radiation emitted by the Earth, trapping heat and warming the planet. This process is essential for maintaining a stable climate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

The burning of fossil fuels contributes to the carbon cycle in what way?

• Increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

• Increases the amount of O2 in the atmosphere

• Decreases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

• Decreases the amount of O2 in the atmosphere

Answer explanation

The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, increasing its concentration. This process contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change, making 'Increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Why do carbon levels fluctuate seasonally?

• People drive more in the summer

• There are more heaters uses in the winter

• Coal is only burned seasonally

• Photosynthesis from plants is lessened in the winter months

Answer explanation

Carbon levels fluctuate seasonally primarily because photosynthesis from plants decreases in winter months. During this time, fewer plants are actively converting CO2 into oxygen, leading to higher carbon levels in the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3