the greenhouse effect

• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's atmosphere due to greenhouse gases trapping long wavelength radiation.
• How do short wavelength and long wavelength radiation differ in the context of the greenhouse effect?

  Short wavelength radiation passes through the atmosphere, while long wavelength radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases.
• What are the main greenhouse gases mentioned in the study material?

  The main greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.
• Why is the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere variable?

  The amount of water vapor changes depending on the temperature.
• What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?

  Around 78% of the atmosphere is nitrogen.
• What percentage of the atmosphere is oxygen?

  Around 21% of the atmosphere is oxygen.
• What happens to the energy from the Sun when it reaches the Earth?

  Some energy reflects back into space, while most passes through the atmosphere and is absorbed by the Earth's surface.
• What type of radiation does the Earth's surface emit after absorbing energy from the Sun?

  The Earth's surface emits long wavelength radiation, such as infrared.
• How do greenhouse gases affect the temperature of the atmosphere?

  Greenhouse gases absorb long wavelength radiation, trapping energy and increasing the temperature of the atmosphere.
• Why is the greenhouse effect important for life on Earth?

  The greenhouse effect keeps the Earth's temperature warm enough to support life.
• What would happen to Earth without the greenhouse effect?

  Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be too cold for most living organisms to survive.
• What are the steps of the greenhouse effect process?

  1. Energy from the Sun reaches Earth as short wavelength radiation.
  2. Some radiation reflects back into space; most passes through the atmosphere.
  3. Earth's surface absorbs energy and emits long wavelength radiation.
  4. Greenhouse gases absorb long wavelength radiation, trapping energy.
  5. The temperature of the atmosphere increases.
• What is the approximate concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

  Approximately 0.04% of the atmosphere is carbon dioxide.
• What is the role of methane in the atmosphere?

  Methane is a greenhouse gas present in tiny amounts in the atmosphere.
• What are the implications of human activity on the atmosphere and climate change?

  • Human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations.
  • This leads to enhanced greenhouse effect.
  • Resulting in global warming and climate change.