Which statement correctly describes how greenhouse gases increase Earth's temperature?
A. Earth's surface reflects short-wavelength radiation from the sun. Greenhouse gases absorb the short-wavelength radiation and warm the atmosphere.
B. Greenhouse gases absorb short-wavelength radiation from the sun. The radiation increases their temperature and warms the planet.
C. Greenhouse gases block long-wavelength radiation from the sun, leaving only short-wavelength radiation to pass through the atmosphere. This radiation warms the planet.
D. Earth's surface absorbs short-wavelength radiation from the sun and re-radiates it as long-wavelength radiation. Greenhouse gases prevent the long-wavelength radiation from escaping the atmosphere.
Answer (2)
Greenhouse gases increase Earth's temperature by absorbing long-wavelength radiation that the Earth emits after warming from solar energy. This trapping of heat prevents it from escaping into space, thus warm the atmosphere. The correct choice from the options provided is D.
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The correct statement that describes how greenhouse gases increase Earth's temperature is option d: "Earth's surface absorbs short-wavelength radiation from the sun and re-radiates it as long-wavelength radiation. Greenhouse gases prevent the long-wavelength radiation from escaping the atmosphere."
Here's why this is correct:
Absorption of Short-Wavelength Radiation : When sunlight reaches the Earth, it primarily consists of visible and short-wavelength radiation such as ultraviolet. The Earth's surface absorbs this energy, which warms it.
Re-Radiation as Long-Wavelength Radiation : After absorbing this energy, Earth's surface emits energy back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation, which is longer-wavelength radiation.
Greenhouse Gas Interaction : Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor in the atmosphere have the capability to absorb this long-wavelength infrared radiation.
Trapping Heat : Once these gases absorb the infrared radiation, they re-emit it in all directions, including back towards the Earth's surface. This traps heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space efficiently.
Resulting Warming Effect : This process leads to an overall warming of the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to what is commonly known as the greenhouse effect.
This explanation demonstrates the natural process by which greenhouse gases help to maintain the Earth's temperature, making it suitable for life. However, an increase in these gases due to human activities is leading to enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.
