Question

is responsible for the green house effect (A) infrared rays (B) ultraviolet rays (C) x rays (D) radiowaves

Short answer

(A) Infrared rays are responsible for the greenhouse effect, as they are emitted by the Earth's surface and absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing the greenhouse effect.

Step-by-step solution

Infrared Rays

Infrared rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that have longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter wavelengths than microwaves. They are primarily responsible for the heat we feel from the Sun. In the greenhouse effect, infrared radiation is emitted by the Earth's surface after absorbing sunlight. The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere then absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, and causing the greenhouse effect. So, (A) infrared rays are the significant factor for causing the greenhouse effect.

Ultraviolet Rays

Ultraviolet rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light but longer wavelengths than X-rays. They are responsible for causing sunburn and can have harmful effects on living organisms. However, ultraviolet rays do not have a significant role in the greenhouse effect. Hence, (B) ultraviolet rays are not responsible for the greenhouse effect.

X Rays

X rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than both ultraviolet rays and visible light. They are used in medical imaging and other scientific applications. X rays do not have any significant role in the greenhouse effect. Therefore, (C) X rays are not responsible for the greenhouse effect.

Radiowaves

Radiowaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelength. They are used for communication purposes, such as with radios, televisions, and cell phones. Radiowaves do not play any role in the greenhouse effect. So, (D) radiowaves are not responsible for the greenhouse effect. With all the options analyzed, we can now determine the correct answer.

Conclusion

Based on our discussion, it is clear that (A) infrared rays are responsible for the greenhouse effect. Therefore, the correct answer is (A) infrared rays.

Key concepts

Infrared Radiation

Infrared radiation plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect on Earth. It is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light and shorter than microwaves. These rays are primarily the heat we feel, emanating from the sun. The process begins when the Earth's surface absorbs sunlight and re-emits energy in the form of infrared radiation.

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, absorb this infrared radiation. They then re-emit it in all directions, including back towards the Earth's surface. This action effectively traps heat and contributes to warming our planet's atmosphere. Without the emission and absorption of infrared radiation, Earth's atmosphere would be much cooler, making life as we know it impossible. Hence, infrared radiation is a key player in the greenhouse effect.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation. These radiations are classified by their wavelength and frequency. They range from short-wavelength gamma rays to long-wavelength radio waves.

Within this spectrum, different types of radiation serve various purposes:

• Radio waves, with the longest wavelengths, are used primarily in communication systems, like radios and TVs.
• Microwaves are employed in cooking and some forms of communication.
• Infrared radiation is associated with heat emission and the greenhouse effect.
• Visible light, the part of the spectrum humans can see, is responsible for the colors we perceive.
• Ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than visible light and can cause sunburn.

Understanding the electromagnetic spectrum is crucial for grasping how different radiation types interact with matter and affect various processes, including the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are atmospheric components that trap heat from infrared radiation. They include carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), methane (\(CH_4\)), water vapor (\(H_2O\)), nitrous oxide (\(N_2O\)), and ozone (\(O_3\)). These gases are adept at absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, thus playing a vital role in the greenhouse effect.

When sunlight reaches Earth, it is either reflected back to space or absorbed by the surface. Absorbed sunlight warms the planet, which then emits energy back as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases capture some of this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space. This trapping process retains heat and keeps Earth’s atmosphere at a livable temperature. Without these gases, our planet would be too cold to support life as we know it, demonstrating their importance in maintaining Earth's energy balance.

Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is the flowing energy that comes directly from the sun. It is essential for life on Earth, providing the energy necessary for processes like photosynthesis in plants and warming the planet to sustain life.

Solar radiation spans across various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum but is mostly concentrated in the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared segments. When solar radiation reaches Earth, it undergoes one of two processes:

• Some are reflected back into space by clouds, water surfaces, or the Earth’s surface.
• Others are absorbed by the Earth, which heats the planet and stimulates the emission of infrared radiation.

This absorbed radiation is what kicks off the process that leads to the greenhouse effect, by being re-emitted as infrared radiation. Solar radiation thereby plays a foundational role in climate dynamics and weather patterns.