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Multiple Choice
How do greenhouse gases contribute to the retention of heat and energy in Earth's atmosphere?
A
They reflect incoming solar radiation back into space before it reaches Earth's surface.
B
They increase the amount of oxygen available for photosynthesis.
C
They absorb infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface and re-radiate it back toward the surface.
D
They directly convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of greenhouse gases: Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor (H₂O), are present in Earth's atmosphere and play a critical role in regulating the planet's temperature.
Learn about infrared radiation: When sunlight reaches Earth's surface, it is absorbed and converted into heat energy. This heat energy is then emitted as infrared radiation back toward the atmosphere.
Explore the absorption process: Greenhouse gases absorb the infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface. This absorption occurs because the molecular structure of greenhouse gases allows them to vibrate and trap heat energy.
Understand re-radiation: After absorbing infrared radiation, greenhouse gases re-emit this energy in all directions, including back toward Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect and contributes to the retention of heat in the atmosphere.
Connect the concept to Earth's temperature: The greenhouse effect helps maintain Earth's temperature by preventing all the heat energy from escaping into space. Without this process, Earth's surface would be much colder and less hospitable for life.