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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.

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