The Greenhouse Effect & Solar Radiation

What is the greenhouse effect?

• The Sun producing heat inside Earth’s core

• The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by certain gases

• The increase in temperature caused by volcanoes

• A process that only happens inside greenhouses

Which gases are considered greenhouse gases? (Select all that apply.)

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

• Water vapor

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What is the primary role of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere?

• They allow heat to escape into space.

• They absorb and re-radiate heat, keeping Earth warm.

• They prevent the Sun’s radiation from reaching Earth.

• They cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight away.

Why does Venus have such a high temperature compared to Earth and Mars?

• A. Venus is closer to the Sun.

• B. Venus has a very thick atmosphere that traps heat.

• C. Venus has a large number of volcanoes.

• D. Venus rotates faster than Earth.

What would make Venus more likely to support life?

• A thicker atmosphere to trap more heat.

• A thinner atmosphere to allow heat to escape.

• A stronger magnetic field.

• More carbon dioxide in the air.

Why is Mars so much colder than Earth?

• Mars is farther from the Sun.

• Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot trap heat effectively.

• Mars has no greenhouse gases.

• Mars has too many clouds.

The greenhouse effect is essential as it warms the Earth to support life, and without it, Earth would be freezing; choose the correct statement.

• It warms the Earth to support life and without it, Earth would be too cold for life.

• It causes the Earth to overheat, making it unsuitable for life.

• It has minimal influence on Earth’s temperature, therefore not affecting life much.

• It cools the Earth, which helps maintain a balanced climate.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Imagine you are a scientist designing a future Mars colony. The Martian atmosphere can be changed to make the planet warmer by:

• Adding greenhouse gases to trap heat

• Removing greenhouse gases to release heat

• Increasing planetary albedo

• Decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What is the trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by certain gases called?

• Global warming

• The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by certain gases

• Ozone depletion

• Solar radiation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

Which gases are considered greenhouse gases?

• Oxygen

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

• Water vapor

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5