Which process plays the most important role in the greenhouse effect?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which process plays the most important role in the greenhouse effect.
First, note that the greenhouse effect involves the interaction between Earth's surface, emitted infrared radiation, and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which absorb some of that IR radiation and then re-emit heat back toward the surface.
In the provided content, there is a single listed option: 'Energy radiated by the earth is absorbed by the atmosphere.' This statement captures a core mechanism of the greenhouse effect: the atmosphere absorbs infrared energy radiated by Earth, rather than only reflecting or letting it escape directly to space.
If we imagine common forms of multiple-choice distractors (which are not shown here), typical alternatives might include statements about reflection, conduction, or the atmosphere cooling the surface without trapping heat. Those would be incorrect because they either misrepresent the dominant mechanism (reflection/conduction) or deny the trapping effect of greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect is not primarily driven by the atmosphere cooling the surface; rather, it is the selective absorption of infrared radiation by greenhouse gases that warms the lower atmosphere and surface through re-emission of infrared radiation.
Thus, focusing on the given option, the key idea is that energy radiated by Earth is absorbed by the atmosphere, which then radiates heat both upward to space and downward toward the surface, amplifying surface temperatures. This aligns with the fundamental role of greenhouse gases in the process.
In summary, the essential concept is that Earth’s infrared radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases, which is the central step driving the greenhouse warming effect.

CHM111L A Lab 6 Pre-Lab Quiz

Which process plays the most important role in the greenhouse effect?

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CHM111L A Lab 6 Pre-Lab Quiz

Which process plays the most important role in the greenhouse effect?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

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