Final answer:
The greenhouse effect is a warming process of the Earth's surface caused by the absorption and re-emission of solar energy by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. Carbon dioxide is the gas most responsible for this effect. While essential for life, increased concentrations due to human activities enhance this effect, leading to global warming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the sun's energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), water vapor (H₂O), and ozone (O₃). Carbon dioxide is the gas most responsible for the greenhouse effect, primarily due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
The process works as follows: solar radiation hits the Earth's surface and is converted into thermal (infrared) radiation, which is then partially absorbed and emitted by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This trapped heat warms the planet, a necessary condition for life on Earth. However, human activities have increased the concentration of these gases, leading to more heat being trapped and an enhanced greenhouse effect, which contributes to global warming.