Question

Which of the following is a greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere? A) helium C) hydrogen B) carbon dioxide D) oxygen

Short answer

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere among the options provided.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are substances in the atmosphere that trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect and warming the Earth's surface. The most common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and water vapor (H₂O).

Analyze the Options

Let's go through the options provided: - A) Helium (He) - This is a noble gas and is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not absorb thermal infrared radiation. - B) Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) - This is one of the most significant greenhouse gases, as it absorbs and emits infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. - C) Hydrogen (H₂) - A diatomic molecule and not a greenhouse gas, as it doesn't absorb thermal infrared radiation significantly. - D) Oxygen (O₂) - While necessary for life, it is not a greenhouse gas because it doesn't trap infrared radiation effectively.

Conclude with the Correct Answer

Based on the analysis, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is identified as the greenhouse gas from the options provided. It actively participates in trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

Key concepts

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide, often denoted as \(\text{CO}_2\), is a colorless gas that naturally occurs in our atmosphere. It's produced by the burning of fossil fuels and the decaying of organic materials. Its primary role is in the process of photosynthesis, where plants absorb \(\text{CO}_2\) to create energy. On the flip side, when humans and animals exhale, \(\text{CO}_2\) is released back into the air.

• \(\text{CO}_2\) is one of the significant greenhouse gases, meaning it plays an essential role in the greenhouse effect.
• This gas is capable of absorbing and emitting infrared radiation, which is a key component in trapping heat within Earth's atmosphere.
• Human activities like burning coal, oil, and gas release large amounts of \(\text{CO}_2\) into the atmosphere, exacerbating its greenhouse effect.

Harnessing newfound solutions and technology to reduce \(\text{CO}_2\) emissions is crucial for mitigating its overall impact on global warming.
With increased awareness and innovative approaches, we can work towards balancing \(\text{CO}_2\) levels and preserving our planet.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps our planet warm enough to support life. It operates much like a glass greenhouse—hence the name. Here's how it works:

The Sun emits energy in the form of light. When this energy reaches Earth, the surface absorbs it and then radiates it back as heat. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap some of this heat within the atmosphere.

• The process ensures the Earth maintains a life-supporting temperature.
• Without the greenhouse effect, our planet would be too cold for most living things.
• However, excessive greenhouse gases amplify this effect, leading to an increase in Earth's average temperature, also known as global warming.

It's essential to maintain the balance of greenhouse gases to ensure that the greenhouse effect remains beneficial rather than harmful. By reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, we can mitigate the adverse effects of an intensified greenhouse effect.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in weather patterns over long periods. It encompasses both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns.

Here are some of the critical aspects of climate change:

• It leads to extreme weather events such as storms, droughts, and heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
• Rising \(\text{CO}_2\) levels contribute to warming temperatures, melting ice caps, and rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities.
• Climate change affects agricultural productivity, water resources, and biodiversity, posing challenges to food security and ecosystems.

Adapting to climate change requires global cooperation and innovative measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increase renewable energy use, and enhance resilience to climatic impacts. Being informed and proactive in response to climate change is vital for navigating these evolving challenges.