Why do some atmospheric gases act as greenhouse gases, while others do not?
Responses-
a- The industrial revolution changed the components of the atmosphere, causing some gases to become greenhouse gases.
b- Non-greenhouse gases are made of only one element, like nitrogen or oxygen.
c- Greenhouse gases have more than two atoms, allowing them to vibrate and release radiation, warming the atmosphere.
d- Naturally occurring gases do not act as greenhouse gases, while human-made gases do.
c- Greenhouse gases have more than two atoms, allowing them to vibrate and release radiation, warming the atmosphere.
The correct response is c- Greenhouse gases have more than two atoms, allowing them to vibrate and release radiation, warming the atmosphere.
The correct answer is c- Greenhouse gases have more than two atoms, allowing them to vibrate and release radiation, warming the atmosphere.
Explanation:
Greenhouse gases are gases that are able to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. This trapping of heat occurs due to the unique molecular structure of these gases. Greenhouse gases have more than two atoms in their molecular structure, which allows them to vibrate and release radiation in the form of infrared energy.
When sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, it warms the surface of the planet. Some of this heat is then radiated back into space as infrared radiation. However, greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit some of the infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere and keeping the Earth warm. The more greenhouse gas molecules there are, the more heat can be trapped.
Examples of common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. These gases have molecular structures that enable them to absorb and emit infrared radiation effectively.
On the other hand, gases like nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2), which make up the majority of our atmosphere, do not have the molecular structure to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. Therefore, they do not act as greenhouse gases.
It's important to note that naturally occurring gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, also contribute to the greenhouse effect. However, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and land-use changes, have significantly increased the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and climate change.