Exploring the Greenhouse Effect and Its Impact on Climate

Mr. Anderson explains the greenhouse effect, emphasizing its necessity for life on Earth. He uses a theoretical model to illustrate Earth's temperature as a black body and discusses how the atmosphere and greenhouse gases retain heat. A simulation demonstrates the interaction of light with atmospheric gases. Historical data from ice cores show changes in greenhouse gas levels, highlighting the impact of industrialization on climate change.

Why is the greenhouse effect essential for life on Earth?

• It keeps the Earth's temperature at a habitable level.

• It blocks harmful UV rays.

• It generates rainfall.

• It provides oxygen for breathing.

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What would happen to Earth's temperature if it were a perfect black body?

• It would be around 14°C.

• It would be around 5.3°C.

• It would be around 8°C.

• It would be around 0°C.

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How does visible light behave when it enters a greenhouse?

• It is trapped inside the greenhouse.

• It is absorbed by the plants.

• It is reflected back out.

• It is converted into infrared radiation.

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What happens to infrared radiation when it hits the glass of a greenhouse?

• It is completely absorbed by the glass.

• It is lost as heat to the environment.

• It is refracted back into the greenhouse.

• It passes through the glass unchanged.

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Which gas makes up the majority of Earth's atmosphere?

• Oxygen

• Carbon Dioxide

• Nitrogen

• Argon

Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?

• Methane

• Ozone

• Carbon Dioxide

• Nitrogen

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What happens to nitrogen and oxygen molecules when hit by infrared photons?

• They convert into other gases.

• They remain unaffected.

• They absorb the heat.

• They vibrate and re-emit heat.

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How do greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide interact with infrared photons?

• They absorb and re-emit the heat.

• They convert into other gases.

• They remain unaffected.

• They reflect the photons back into space.

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How do scientists determine past greenhouse gas levels?

• By observing fossil records.

• By studying tree rings.

• By analyzing ice core samples.

• By measuring current atmospheric levels.

What is one consequence of increased greenhouse gases due to human activities?

• Decreased global temperatures.

• Increased global temperatures.

• Stabilized global temperatures.

• No change in global temperatures.

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