Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?

• A. Oxygen (O2)
• B. Nitrogen (N2)
• C. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• D. Methane (CH4)

Answer: (C)

The greenhouse effect is primarily driven by gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, which leads to a warming effect on the planet. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas due to its ability to absorb infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface and then re-radiate it, contributing to the heat retention in the atmosphere. This process is central to the greenhouse effect, making CO2 one of the most critical contributors to climate change and global warming. While other gases like methane (CH4) can be potent greenhouse gases as well, carbon dioxide is more abundant in the atmosphere and has a longer lasting impact, which is why it is often highlighted in discussions about the greenhouse effect and climate change. Oxygen and nitrogen, while essential for life and making up a majority of the atmosphere, do not significantly contribute to the greenhouse effect because they do not have the molecular structure that allows them to absorb and emit infrared radiation effectively.

The greenhouse effect is primarily driven by gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, which leads to a warming effect on the planet. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas due to its ability to absorb infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface and then re-radiate it, contributing to the heat retention in the atmosphere. This process is central to the greenhouse effect, making CO2 one of the most critical contributors to climate change and global warming.

While other gases like methane (CH4) can be potent greenhouse gases as well, carbon dioxide is more abundant in the atmosphere and has a longer lasting impact, which is why it is often highlighted in discussions about the greenhouse effect and climate change. Oxygen and nitrogen, while essential for life and making up a majority of the atmosphere, do not significantly contribute to the greenhouse effect because they do not have the molecular structure that allows them to absorb and emit infrared radiation effectively.