/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 8 How does the greenhouse effect i... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 9: Problem 8

How does the greenhouse effect influence the temperature of the atmosphere? Which properties of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause this effect?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The greenhouse effect influences the temperature of the atmosphere by trapping solar energy radiated back to space from the Earth's surface, thus creating a 'greenhouse' of warmth around the planet. This is caused by greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. The specific properties of these gases that cause this effect are their ability to absorb long-wave radiation and their complex molecular structures, which make them good absorbers and re-emitters of radiation.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. Solar energy radiating back to space from the earth's surface is absorbed by greenhouse gases and then re-emitted in all directions. This re-emission of energy to the Earth maintains the planet's temperature at a level higher than it would be without these gases.
02

Role of Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3). These gases are capable of trapping heat from the sun's light within the Earth's atmosphere, thus preventing it from being released back into space. Their presence is vital for life on Earth as they help maintain the planet's temperature.
03

Properties of Greenhouse Gases Causing the Effect

The key property of greenhouse gases that facilitate the greenhouse effect is their ability to absorb long-wave radiation (i.e. heat). After these gases absorb the heat radiated from Earth, they re-emit it back towards the planet, which ultimately increases its temperature. The effectiveness of these gases in trapping heat can be related to their molecular structure. For instance, gases with three or more atoms, such as water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), are good absorbers of radiation, while diatomic molecules like oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) are less effective.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How does solar energy help power the motion of water in the Earth's oceans?

Search the World Wide Web for information about Rodinia, the supercontinent that predated Pangaea. When did this supercontinent form? When did it break apart? Do we have any evidence of supercontinents that predated Rodinia? Why or why not?

The deepest wells and mines go down only a few kilometers. What, then, is the evidence that iron is abundant in the Earth's core? That the Earth's outer core is molten but the inner core is solid?

Why do geologists think that the Earth's magnetic field is produced in the liquid outer core rather than in the mantle?

Describe the interior structure of the Earth.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Electricity

Read Explanation

Wave Optics

Read Explanation

Electric Charge Field and Potential

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Turning Points in Physics

Read Explanation

Medical Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.