The greenhouse effect

• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It is the warming of Earth's atmosphere.
• How does the greenhouse effect relate to radiation?

  It involves short and long wavelength radiation.
• What are the main greenhouse gases?

  Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.
• What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?

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

  About 21% of the atmosphere.
• What is the approximate percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

  About 0.04% of the atmosphere.
• How does the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere change?

  It varies depending on the temperature.
• What happens to short wavelength radiation from the Sun?

  Most passes through the atmosphere.
• Why does short wavelength radiation pass easily through the atmosphere?

  It does not interact strongly with gas molecules.
• What happens to energy 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 energy?

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

  They absorb and trap the energy in the atmosphere.
• What is the result of energy being trapped by greenhouse gases?

  The temperature of the atmosphere increases.
• Why is the greenhouse effect important for life on Earth?

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

  The Earth would be too cold for most life.
• 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, increasing atmospheric temperature.
• How do human activities impact the greenhouse effect?

  • Increase in greenhouse gas emissions
  • Deforestation reduces carbon dioxide absorption
  • Industrial activities release methane and carbon dioxide
  • Agriculture contributes to methane emissions