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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a principal greenhouse gas?
A
Ozone (O$_3$)
B
Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$)
C
Nitrogen (N$_2$)
D
Methane (CH$_4$)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the sun, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO$_2$), methane (CH$_4$), and ozone (O$_3$).
Step 2: Review the properties of nitrogen (N$_2$). Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78%. However, it is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not absorb infrared radiation effectively.
Step 3: Compare the listed gases. Carbon dioxide (CO$_2$), methane (CH$_4$), and ozone (O$_3$) are all known greenhouse gases because they absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Step 4: Identify the gas that does not fit the definition of a greenhouse gas. Nitrogen (N$_2$) does not contribute to the greenhouse effect because it is largely inert and does not interact with infrared radiation.
Step 5: Conclude that nitrogen (N$_2$) is the correct answer to the question, as it is not a principal greenhouse gas.