greenhouse effect

• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It's the warming of Earth's atmosphere.
• How does short wavelength radiation behave in the atmosphere?

  It passes easily through the atmosphere.
• What are the main greenhouse gases mentioned?

  Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.
• What happens to energy from the Sun when it reaches the Earth's surface?

  It is absorbed and radiated as long wavelength radiation.
• What type of radiation does the Earth emit after absorbing solar energy?

  Long wavelength radiation, such as infrared.
• How do greenhouse gases affect long wavelength radiation?

  They absorb the energy and trap it in the atmosphere.
• What is the effect of the greenhouse effect on Earth's temperature?

  It keeps the temperature warm enough for life.
• What would happen to Earth without the greenhouse effect?

  It would be too cold for most organisms.
• What are the steps of the greenhouse effect process?

  1. Sun emits short wavelength radiation.
  2. Short wavelength radiation passes through the atmosphere.
  3. Earth's surface absorbs energy and emits long wavelength radiation.
  4. Greenhouse gases absorb long wavelength radiation.
  5. Energy is trapped, warming the atmosphere.
• What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?

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

  About 21%.
• How does the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere change?

  It varies depending on the temperature.
• What is the approximate percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

  About 0.04%.
• What is the role of methane in the atmosphere?

  It is a greenhouse gas.