Question

Briefly explain how greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide in particular, can absorb and radiate heat inside Earth’s atmosphere and thereby contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Answer 1

If the amount of energy from the sun and the amount of greenhouse gases such as methane, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere remain the same, the average temperature on Earth will also be constant. But in the current scenario the amount of greenhouse gases has exceed the amount the earth receives the sunlight due to burning of fossil fuels and others. The greenhouse gases are made of three or more atoms. This structures allows the gases to trap heat from the atmosphere and re-emit it towards a surface which further warms the earth climate. This effect is called as greenhouse effect.

Answer 2

Hello! To answer your question, specifically about carbon dioxide, it can absorb and radiate heat inside Earth's atmosphere and thereby contribute to the greenhouse gas effect because...

1.Sunlight radiation is absorbed on the Earth & warms it up

2. Due to the Earth warming, it emits infrared light back toward space, but carbon dioxide absorbs it and causes the atmosphere to heat up. Carbon dioxide acts like a blanket.

3. The Earth becomes hotter than before

I hoped that this has helped some way, if you have an further questions feel free to shoot me a question or message. Good luck :)